Spotify is expected to officially launch its long-awaited HiFi tier, now branded as Spotify Music Pro, with a subscription fee of $6 per month on top of existing premium plans. The service offers lossless audio streaming, directly competing with Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music Unlimited. However, despite its premium sound quality, the lack of Dolby Atmos and spatial audio has left some audiophiles underwhelmed.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
For years, Spotify HiFi was a mystery. It was initially announced in 2021 but repeatedly delayed. With the competition already offering lossless audio at no extra cost, Spotify’s decision to charge a premium fee has raised questions about whether users will find the added value compelling.
What’s Included in Spotify Music Pro?
Spotify Music Pro is designed for those seeking an enhanced audio experience. The new tier provides:
- Lossless FLAC audio: High-resolution streaming with a bitrate reportedly exceeding 1,411 kbps.
- Customizable listening controls: Features that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience.
- Enhanced audio tools: Possible AI-driven upgrades, including smart equalizers and personalized sound enhancements.
While Apple Music and Amazon Music offer lossless quality as part of their standard plans, Spotify is banking on its long-standing brand loyalty and superior algorithm-driven recommendations to attract audiophiles.
Pricing and Availability
The Spotify Music Pro add-on comes at an extra cost of $6 per month, making the total price for a Spotify Premium + Music Pro subscription around $16.99/month. Compared to competitors:
- Apple Music: Offers lossless audio for free with its standard subscription at $10.99/month.
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Includes lossless quality for $9.99/month.
- Tidal HiFi: Starts at $10.99/month, with a HiFi Plus tier at $19.99/month offering 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Despite not including spatial audio or Dolby Atmos, Spotify’s decision to charge extra could make it a tougher sell to users who already get high-fidelity audio elsewhere at no additional cost.
TF Summary: What’s Next
Spotify Music Pro is a much-anticipated upgrade, but whether users will embrace the extra $6 charge remains to be seen. While the lossless audio feature is a welcome addition, the lack of Dolby Atmos or spatial audio could deter users from switching. With competitors offering similar or better features for less, Spotify may have to justify its pricing strategy with superior personalization and user experience.
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