Spotify's Lossless Audio: A Long-Awaited Feature
1 min read
After years of anticipation, new leaks are reviving hopes that Spotify's lossless audio tier is finally nearing release.
Leaked In-App Code Sparks Optimism
Reverse engineer Chris Messina discovered a code string in the Spotify app referencing lossless audio:
“Lossless music, now in premium. Introducing the best sound quality on Spotify: for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.”
He also shared an image showing an animation for optimizing headphones for this high-quality playback. These findings, combined with past comments from Spotify’s CEO about improved audio quality, mark the most concrete signs of progress since Spotify first teased “Spotify HiFi” in 2021.
Lossless Mode Uncovered in PC App
A Reddit user was able to briefly enable lossless audio on Spotify’s PC version by running a custom script. Although playback reportedly lasted just a few seconds before being stopped by the server, it revealed useful details. According to the user:
- Spotify may use 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC files
- Playback could consume up to 1GB per hour
- There’s an included tool for headphone optimization and compatibility checks
These tools suggest lossless playback might be limited to supported headphones.
Tied to Music Pro Tier?
These developments could be related to Spotify’s rumored “Music Pro” tier, expected later this year. According to Bloomberg, it may cost an extra $6/month and include higher audio quality, AI remixing tools, and early access to concert tickets.
Though not yet official, the evidence points to a near-future launch of lossless audio, four years after Spotify's original announcement. Until then, services like Apple Music already offer lossless streaming.
