Spotify Launch Lossless Audio in 2024: What to Expect and When

In 2021, Spotify announced it would launch a new feature: lossless audio. This feature is expected to be available in 2024.

Lossless audio will give users high-quality sound. It keeps all the original sound details, unlike regular streaming, which reduces audio quality. With lossless audio, Spotify users will enjoy clearer, richer music.

Spotify’s new feature will compete with services like Apple Music and Tidal, which already offer high-quality sound. Let’s explore what this feature will mean for users and when it’s expected to launch.

Release Date and Availability

Spotify has not confirmed the exact release date for lossless audio, but it is expected to come out in 2024. The feature will likely be available for Spotify Premium users. To access lossless audio, users may need to pay an additional fee on top of their current Premium subscription.

At first, lossless audio will only be available for certain songs. Spotify will have a compatibility checker to help users know which tracks are available in lossless audio. Over time, the feature will expand to include more music.

Spotify’s free users will not be able to access lossless audio. To enjoy this feature, users will need to upgrade to Spotify Premium.

Pricing and Plans

Spotify’s lossless audio feature will likely cost an extra $5 per month for Premium users. This fee will be added to the current Premium price, which is $9.99 per month. The total cost for Premium users with lossless audio would be $14.99 per month.

The price could vary depending on the region, but it is expected to be lower than competitors. For example, Tidal charges $19.99 per month for its high-quality audio plan. Apple Music includes lossless audio at no extra charge.

Spotify may also offer a free trial for lossless audio. This would give users a chance to try the feature before paying. The trial could last for 30 days, giving users enough time to experience the improved sound quality.

Technical Details

Spotify’s lossless audio will offer much better sound quality. Currently, Spotify streams music at a 320kbps bitrate. Lossless audio will stream at 2,117kbps, providing better detail and clarity.

The feature will also support 24-bit audio, which gives a richer and fuller sound. This is an upgrade from the standard 16-bit audio found in most music files.

Spotify’s lossless audio will use the FLAC format (Free Lossless Audio Codec), which keeps all the original audio quality without reducing it. FLAC files can reach up to 1,411kbps and 24-bit/44.1kHz, the same as CD-quality sound.

Spotify will also introduce AI-powered playlists. These playlists will adapt to users’ listening habits and help discover new music based on sound preferences.

Device Compatibility

Spotify’s lossless audio will work on many devices. Users will be able to listen to lossless audio on both Spotify’s mobile and desktop apps. It will also work with Spotify Connect, which allows users to wirelessly stream music from one device to another.

For the best sound quality, users will need high-quality headphones or speakers. Whether listening at home or on the go, Spotify’s lossless audio will work well on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Spotify will support lossless audio on both iOS and Android devices, so users don’t need special equipment to enjoy it.

Challenges and Delays

Spotify has faced a few challenges in launching lossless audio. One of the main reasons for the delay is licensing issues. Spotify needs permission from music labels and artists to offer all their tracks in lossless quality. This process has taken longer than expected.

Another challenge is the competition from other services. Apple Music and Tidal already offer lossless audio. To stand out, Spotify needs to ensure its feature works well and offers great sound quality.

Lastly, streaming lossless audio requires a lot more bandwidth. This puts extra strain on Spotify’s servers, which could lead to buffering or connection problems. However, Spotify is known for scaling its services, so this issue should be manageable.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Spotify’s lossless audio feature will offer several benefits. The main benefit is better sound quality. Lossless audio preserves every detail of the music, providing a more immersive listening experience, especially for audiophiles (music lovers who care about high-quality sound).

For artists, lossless audio allows them to showcase their music in the highest quality. Since Spotify has millions of active users, this gives artists a chance to reach people who care about the best sound quality.

Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks to Spotify’s lossless audio. The biggest downside is the additional cost. At $5 per month, some users may hesitate to pay extra for the feature.

Lossless audio also requires more bandwidth, which could cause problems for users with slow internet or limited data. This could result in buffering or high data usage.

Additionally, not all music will be available in lossless audio at launch. Spotify will initially offer lossless quality for select tracks, so users may not be able to enjoy every song in this format right away.

Impact on the Music Streaming Industry

Spotify’s decision to launch lossless audio will have a big impact on the music streaming industry. Since Spotify is the largest music streaming service, other platforms may feel pressure to offer similar features. This could raise the bar for what users expect in terms of sound quality.

Spotify’s competitors, like Apple Music and Tidal, already provide lossless audio. If Spotify’s feature works well and is affordable, it could set a new industry standard. Users will start expecting high-quality audio from all music streaming services, which will push other platforms to improve their audio quality.

In the long run, Spotify’s lossless audio could benefit both users and artists by creating more competition and offering better quality music.

Conclusion

Spotify’s lossless audio feature is one of the most anticipated updates for 2024. With better sound quality, more device compatibility, and AI-powered playlists, the feature will offer a richer music experience for listeners. While the extra cost and potential technical challenges may be concerns, Spotify aims to provide a great service that meets the needs of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The launch of lossless audio will likely influence the music streaming market. As Spotify leads the way in offering high-quality music streaming, other platforms will need to keep up. Whether you’re an audiophile, an artist, or just a casual listener, Spotify’s lossless audio will change the way you enjoy music in 2024.