Spotify HiFi shows signs of life as the service locks more features behind subscription

Spotify HiFi seems to be a pipe dream at this point, with rumors spanning over two years and the service failing to provide any sort of improvement to audio quality. Now, new screenshots leak the Spotify HiFi UI with information on what quality the service plans to deliver. This comes as Spotify locks track lyrics behind the paying tiers

Spotify has offered much the same audio quality to its users over the last many years with no major improvements, and users have been asking for something similar to a Hi-Fi option for years. As companies like Tidal have come around, the demand has increased. Spotify bests other services in track recommendation and quality-of-life features, but now that options like Tidal are only $10.99/month, the long-standing subscription service has no excuses left in the tank.

Spotify HiFi was teased by the company back in September 2021, yet it still does not exist. If it were to be released soon, it would also likely cost upwards of $20/month, and new leaks suggest it might not even be as good as existing Hi-Fi options.

Posted by a user on Reddit, Spotify is starting to show signs of Spotify HiFi – or “Enhanced Listening,” as the leak implies Spotify has changed its naming scheme (via Android Authority). The post showcases a good few screenshots of what the service might look like it it ever bears its head.

It looks like the settings will show a new side panel that house the Hi-Fi options we’ve been waiting for. Spotify will do a connection test to see if your device can handle high-quality audio, and if it can, it’ll give you a few options. Spotify Enhanced will carry a Lossless option that allows for up to 24-bit FLACs played at 44.1kHz with the option of FLAC streaming. That tier carries a cap of 1,411 kbps compared to the measly 320 kbps set by the next quality tier named “Very High.”

For comparison, Tidal’s highest quality allows for 24-bit audio with a max of 192kHz. That still beats out what Spotify is showing in these images, though it likely will be indistinguishable by most users.

The leak suggests this Spotify HiFi option won’t be limited to in-line connections; rather, Spotify Connect will be a feature that allows for high-end streaming within your Wi-Fi network. Certain speakers, like JBL’s Authentics speakers, will have this function available. Spotify Connect will allow for that music to be played to a speaker without losing lossless quality, unlike Bluetooth in its current form.

Spotify is also starting to roll out a feature change in full to all customers. That roadblock now requires users to pay a monthly fee for the lyrics function on tracks. This was a free feature and is now locked behind any of the paying tiers.

Spotify HiFi likely won’t draw the majority of users in the first place, but it’s nice to see some sign of improvement from the company. We’re not sure when the service will release the feature, though it can’t possibly be another year or two, right?