Spotify users who’ve been waiting for better audio quality may finally have something to celebrate. New findings in the platform’s code suggest the long-promised HiFi feature could be just around the corner, according to The Verge.
The discovery comes from Spicetify, an account on X (formerly Twitter) that develops tools for customizing the Spotify app. In the latest version of the software, Spicetify uncovered hidden references to lossless audio — or HiFi quality — buried within Spotify’s internal code.
Screenshots shared by Spicetify show the word “lossless” appearing both in the device connection sidebar and as a selectable streaming quality option in the app’s settings. There’s also code indicating that lossless audio will be available via Spotify Connect — which allows users to control playback on other devices — as well as through Spotify’s web app.
Spotify originally announced “Spotify HiFi” back in 2021, with a planned launch the same year. However, the rollout never materialized. Since then, rumours of a high-quality streaming tier have resurfaced periodically, but without any official follow-up.
Today, Spotify stands out as one of the few major music streaming services not offering HiFi audio. Competitors including Apple Music, Tidal, and Napster — as well as European platforms like Deezer and Qobuz — all provide lossless streaming, often at the same or even lower price than Spotify. That competitive pressure is likely part of the reason for Spotify’s delayed response.
In February, Bloomberg reported that Spotify was planning to introduce a new “Pro” subscription tier featuring higher audio quality by the end of 2025. At the time, the premium tier was expected to cost around $6 USD more than the standard plan.
Despite lacking HiFi, many users remain loyal to Spotify for its powerful recommendation algorithm, which helps users discover new music, and its Spotify Connect feature for seamless playback across devices.
However, for those prioritising affordable lossless audio, Tidal remains a compelling alternative at 119 NOK per month.
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