For years, Spotify users have been teased with whispers of a lossless audio tier, promising crystal-clear, CD-quality sound. It's become something of a running joke in the audiophile community—a dream that never quite materializes. But a recent discovery may finally bring that dream closer to reality.
A sharp-eyed developer has uncovered new code inside Spotify's app that points to the long-awaited Spotify Lossless tier. Could this be the real deal?
Code Hints at Lossless Audio—Again
The latest buzz comes courtesy of Chris Messina, a well-known technologist and reverse engineer. Digging through the latest build of the Spotify desktop app, Messina found several strings of code that reference what appears to be Spotify's long-promised high-fidelity audio tier.
These aren't just random lines of code either—they're help cards meant to guide users through the new feature. One card proudly states:
Another offers a more technical tease:
For audiophiles, this is exactly the kind of spec they've been waiting for. It's not the highest resolution out there (compared to, say, Tidal's or Qobuz's hi-res options), but it's a solid step up from Spotify's current max bitrate of 320kbps.
Not All Songs, Not All Conditions
While this is exciting news, it's not without caveats. More lines of code suggest that not every song will be available in lossless quality. One snippet mentions limitations based on:
So, this won't be an anytime-anywhere feature. You'll likely need solid Wi-Fi, decent headphones or wired speakers, and maybe even specific hardware to get the most out of it.
It Might Already Be in the App
As if that weren't enough to stir the pot, a Reddit user recently found evidence that the mobile version of the app also contains references to the lossless tier. They even posted a screenshot of the relevant code—suggesting that the functionality could already be baked into the app, just not accessible to users yet.
This adds weight to the theory that Spotify is getting closer to flipping the switch—though the company still hasn't made any official announcement.
Tempering Expectations
Before you get too excited and start dusting off your audiophile-grade headphones, let's be real: we've been here before. Multiple reports of "leaked code" or insider info have sparked similar speculation in the past, only for months (or years) to pass with no official launch.
That said, this round feels more legitimate. The language in the help cards, the structured formatting, and the inclusion of technical requirements all suggest that Spotify is actually preparing for something concrete.
Still, until Spotify makes a formal announcement, take everything with a healthy pinch of skepticism.
Final Thoughts
If this latest discovery pans out, Spotify HiFi—or whatever it ends up being called—could finally bring the platform up to par with its lossless-streaming rivals. And while it may not revolutionize the industry, it's a welcome upgrade for users who've been loyal to Spotify but crave better audio quality.
So, is the lossless tier finally imminent? Maybe. Just don't hold your breath—but maybe keep your wired headphones nearby, just in case.