Finding a tech company that takes over four years to launch a feature is rare. That’s what happened with Spotify’s much-anticipated HiFi feature. Recent reports suggest it might finally arrive in a few months, bundled in a new Music Pro package aimed at boosting Spotify’s profits.
This has been quite a journey.
The delays were partly due to intense competition in the streaming market. Spotify’s HiFi was expected to cost more than its regular Premium subscription. However, the company went quiet about it, leaving many wondering about its status.
Spotify seemed to realize that just offering higher-quality sound might not be enough. Many listeners don’t notice a difference between the current audio and CD-quality music. Plus, not everyone has the right headphones or speakers to appreciate such an upgrade.
Instead, Spotify is reshaping its plan into a more extensive Music Pro add-on. What this will look like is still up in the air. Previous ideas have included benefits like early access to concert tickets and innovative DJ remixing tools. There are also rumors about special music enhancements for certain earbuds and headphones. Spotify’s surveys hinted at fun features like karaoke and additional user accounts.
The company seems to be taking a phased approach to this rollout, with new tools set to be tested throughout 2025. The biggest sign that Music Pro is actually gaining traction is that Spotify is discussing it again. CEO Daniel Ek has mentioned this new tier multiple times, promising “more control, higher quality, and some surprises.” Recently, he even stated that Spotify aims to focus more on music in 2025.
When it finally launches, Music Pro is expected to add about $5 or $6 to the existing $11.99 monthly Premium plan. I’ve switched to Apple Music for superior audio quality, but I’m curious about what Spotify’s new offering will bring. Even though I don’t miss Spotify Wrapped, I still notice my friends using Spotify. If they create an attractive mix of features, I might rethink my choice. However, transitioning back after using Apple Music’s simpler app might be a challenge.
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