In February 2021, Spotify launched a new streaming level known as Spotify HiFi, intended to deliver superior, lossless audio to compete with platforms such as Apple Music and Tidal. Nonetheless, Spotify HiFi never came to fruition. Following numerous delays and rebranding efforts, Spotify merely provided ambiguous assurances about a premium tier featuring lossless audio under development.

Currently, new signs suggest that Spotify is diligently pursuing it. The developers of the Spotify customization application Spicetify (as reported by The Verge) uncovered indications of “lossless” within the interface of Spotify’s desktop application. For example, the Settings menu denotes lossless as an option for streaming quality, and the sidebar includes it among the choices for connected devices.

Moreover, MacRumors analyst Aaron encountered a plethora of references to lossless in the most recent Spotify beta for iOS.

Concerning quality and format, Spotify mentions the widely recognized FLAC format, offering quality up to “24-bit/44.1 kHz.” For further information on lossless audio, refer to Mashable’s guide; in brief, it provides superior sound provided you possess compatible hardware.

Does this imply that lossless audio is finally on its way to Spotify? It’s a hopeful indication, but it’s important to remember that similar references appeared in Spotify’s application back in 2021 without leading to a launch. Let’s wish for a different outcome this time.