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Spotify’s Long-Awaited HiFi Feature: Music Pro on the Horizon

Spotify’s announcement of its HiFi feature, which has been anticipated for over four years, is finally gaining traction. Recent reports suggest that this long-delayed feature is set to roll out as part of a new “Music Pro” package within the next few months. This development comes as Spotify looks to bolster its profitability in the competitive streaming market.

The journey to this point has been far from straightforward. Initially, the promise of HiFi aimed to provide higher-quality audio streams at an additional cost compared to the existing Premium subscription. However, the company’s direction appeared unclear for quite some time, leading to a lack of communication and updates regarding the feature’s status.

It has become evident that merely offering enhanced audio quality may not suffice to attract users to a premium tier. Many listeners might not perceive a significant difference between the current lossy audio format and CD-quality streaming, especially if they are using standard headphone or speaker equipment. Recognizing this challenge, Spotify is expanding its vision for the Music Pro add-on to include more than just audio quality improvements.

Details about Music Pro remain somewhat ambiguous, but various past reports have suggested a range of potential features such as early access to concert tickets and DJ remixing tools. There are also indications that the service might incorporate optimization capabilities tailored to specific headphones and speakers. Additionally, user surveys conducted by Spotify have alluded to features like karaoke, similar to existing offerings from Apple Music, and the option to add another user account to a Music Pro plan.

Spotify appears to be in a phase of exploration regarding the specific elements of Music Pro, with Bloomberg reporting that the company intends to introduce features gradually over time, continuing to test new options into 2025. However, there are signs that Spotify is committed to this initiative, as CEO Daniel Ek has publicly discussed the upcoming deluxe tier, promising “all of the benefits of the normal Spotify experience, but with greater control, enhanced quality, and additional features that have yet to be revealed.” Recently, Ek emphasized Spotify’s intention to “double down on music in 2025.”

When Music Pro eventually launches, users can expect an increase of $5 or $6 added to the current Spotify Premium subscription, which starts at $11.99 per month. While I have transitioned to Apple Music for its superior audio quality, the prospect of Spotify’s enhanced offerings is intriguing. Although Spotify Wrapped has lost its appeal to me, the platform remains popular among my friends. If Spotify can curate an attractive package of features, I may find myself reconsidering my loyalty. However, adapting back to Spotify after experiencing the streamlined functionality of Apple Music could present a challenge.

Source
www.theverge.com