Spotify HiFi was announced in February 2021, and while we’ve heard very little about it in the meantime, it looks like the launch of a higher-quality tier called Platinum is inevitable.
The person who opted out of Spotify contacted 9to5Mac (opens in a new tab) say the email encouraging him to resubscribe mentioned a Spotify Platinum subscription for $ 19.99 per month (double the price). This Platinum plan included a mention of Spotify HiFi.
In addition to high-definition audio, the email also relates to features such as Studio Sound, Headphone Tuner, Audio Insights, Library Pro, Playlist Pro, and podcasts featuring Spotify’s limited ad – although we don’t have any information about all of them involved.
It doesn’t take long to wait
The email in question also said subscription levels would be available in the next 30 days, suggesting Spotify HiFi will be rolled out within a month – potentially with the new Platinum label attached to it.
Apple Music already includes lossless audio and surround sound functionality as part of the standard subscription of $ 9.99 / £ 9.99 / $ 11.99. With this in mind, it’s possible that Spotify authorities feel they need to offer more to justify a price increase.
If the information in the subscription email is correct, we don’t have to wait long to be sure – and as soon as Spotify has released any official news, you can of course read about it here.
Analysis: will the price be right?
The CD-quality lossless audio promised by Spotify HiFi will be more compatible with services like Apple Music and Tidal, but it’s unclear just how much extra level of audio fidelity matters to the average Spotify subscriber.
Asking your users to double your monthly payment will be a difficult sale – if that is how the prices actually end up – and adding a few extra features will surely sweeten the deal. Exactly what Library Pro, Playlist Pro and other features are yet to see, but need to relate to some extra functionality.
We’ve seen Spotify expand its reach to podcasts and audiobooks in recent years as it aims to attract more monthly subscribers. Acquiring existing or new subscribers who pay double the monthly rate would also dramatically improve the finances of the streaming service.
Spotify itself seemed uncertain as to when exactly Spotify HiFi was going to be launched and this question seems to be answered. The next question is how many people will actually pay for it.