Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has finally confirmed the long-awaited arrival of Spotify Hi-Fi, the streaming service’s high-resolution audio offering. While audiophiles and music enthusiasts are thrilled, the price point might be a bit of a letdown.
During a recent earnings call, Ek acknowledged the significant demand for Hi-Fi audio among Spotify’s vast user base. He described the upcoming tier as a “deluxe version” of Spotify with enhanced features and significantly improved audio quality across the board.
However, the exact release date remains shrouded in mystery. This lack of clarity has frustrated many fans, considering the feature was initially teased seven years ago. Ek simply stated that it’s still “early days” for the project, leaving users in suspense.
The expected price for the Spotify Hi-Fi tier is around $17 per month, a substantial increase compared to the standard subscription. While audiophiles might be willing to pay for the superior sound quality, it could be a tough sell for casual listeners, especially with competitors offering similar features at lower prices.
Overall, the confirmation of Spotify Hi-Fi is a welcome development, but the hefty price tag and uncertain release date might dampen the excitement for some. It remains to be seen whether the “deluxe” features and improved audio quality will be enough to justify the premium cost and convince users to upgrade.