Spotify’s Long-Awaited Hi-Fi Upgrade Could Finally Be Here – But It’ll Cost You

Reports suggest a new add-on service, ‘Music Pro,’ will roll out later this year. It will offer higher-quality audio and exclusive perks—but at an extra cost.

According to a Bloomberg report, Spotify Music Pro will be an optional upgrade for existing Premium subscribers, setting users back an additional US$6 per month. That means an individual Premium subscription in the US—currently priced at US$11.99/month—would rise to US$17.99/month for those wanting the Music Pro experience. Pricing will reportedly vary by region, with some markets seeing lower costs.

The move follows years of speculation about Spotify’s plans to introduce lossless audio, a feature already offered by rivals like Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz. Spotify’s best current quality is 320kbps MP3, which is a far cry from the high-resolution audio many audiophiles demand.

While Music Pro is expected to include some form of higher-fidelity audio, it remains unclear if this will be the long-promised ‘Hi-Fi’ lossless format or just a modest improvement over current streaming quality. Given Spotify’s history of delaying its lossless plans, some users may remain sceptical until official details are confirmed.

In addition to improved sound quality, Music Pro is expected to bring a range of ‘superfan’ perks—an area where Spotify has lagged behind competitors. Reports suggest this new tier may include early access to concert tickets, AI-powered remixing tools, and other exclusive content and features. These additions appear as part of a broader push to bundle multiple premium features into a single tier. Some of these perks—like early ticket access—have been available on other platforms for some time, so bundling them together could be Spotify’s way of creating a unique value proposition.

So, what exactly is a 'superfan'?

Superfans are dedicated listeners who do more than just hit play. They buy merch, attend concerts, and engage deeply with artists. Streaming platforms see them as a valuable audience willing to pay for premium experiences. With superfans making up a small but high-value segment, Spotify is likely keen to capitalise on their loyalty.

Spotify has been teasing lossless audio for years, with previous reports suggesting it would arrive under a tier called ‘Supremium’—a plan that never materialised. CEO Daniel Ek has long hinted at a pricier subscription offering, and industry figures such as Boyd Muir (Universal Music Group CFO) have suggested that a significant portion of paid subscribers - potentially 20-30% could eventually opt for ‘superfan’ tiers like this one.

It's important to remember Spotify has yet to officially confirm exactly when Music Pro will launch, what it will include, or whether the long-promised Hi-Fi streaming will be truly lossless. Bloomberg reports that Spotify is still negotiating licensing agreements with major record labels, which could impact the timing and final details of the rollout.

Music Pro may be the long-awaited answer for those hoping that Spotify will finally join the lossless audio revolution. However, the lack of concrete details raises questions. Is this a true Hi-Fi upgrade or an incremental improvement wrapped in premium branding? And will the added perks justify the extra cost?

With competitors already offering high-fidelity streaming at no extra charge, Spotify will need to deliver something genuinely compelling to convince subscribers to pay more. For now, music lovers will have to wait and see whether Music Pro is the real deal or just another remix of an old promise.

Join the discussion on music streaming