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It has been 20 months since Spotify first announced that it is bringing HiFi music streaming to its platform. While the company has yet to provide an update on when it will launch, the feature makes a surprise appearance in a recent survey that also suggested a $20 'Platinum' tier could be in the works.
A Reddit user, who goes by u/nearlymind, reported they canceled their Spotify subscription and was then asked to answer a survey. They were asked if they would consider switching back to Spotify, specifically to a "Platinum" tier, in the "next 30 days." The duration mentioned has got other Reddit users speculating the new membership plan could be launched by November.
It is worth noting that, currently, Spotify Premium is only available in three subscription plans — Individual ($9.99), Duo ($12.99), and Family ($15.99). The survey then suggests that the streaming giant is, at least, considering launching a new tier that could be called Platinum.
As the name suggests, the unannounced Platinum tier could be the most expensive Spotify Premium plan. But the higher price may be explained by a host of new features it could offer. The same survey listed several features that do not exist in any of the plans Spotify currently offers, and one of them is HiFi streaming.
Spotify first announced its plans to introduce HiFi audio in February 2021 with a video teaser featuring Billie Eilish. To this day, though, Spotify has yet to confirm if it will be available to all Premium subscribers without additional cost. Its rivals, including Apple Music, have already added lossless and HiFi streaming without changing subscription prices.
The rumored Spotify Platinum tier, however, may launch with other features aimed at audiophiles. The survey also listed Studio Sound, Headphone Tuner, Audio Insights, Library Pro, Playlist Pro, and access to limited ad-supported podcasts. Unfortunately, the survey did not include any description of these features. But the mention of "Library Pro" and "Playlist Pro" has got some Spotify users worried that the company will remove basic library and profile management features from Spotify Free or the lower-priced Premium tiers.
It remains to be seen, though, if Spotify will go ahead and launch a Platinum tier. It is not strange for the company to ask users to answer surveys about new products even though there are no immediate plans to bring them to the platform. But it is a good indication that Spotify has not completely forgotten about its promise to deliver HiFi streaming.
Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash
