Most expensive Spotify bills ever ‘incoming' as membership change ‘makes your songs sound even better for extra fee'
It's been more than four years since the company first announced it was working on 'lossless audio'
HEAR WE GO Most expensive Spotify bills ever 'incoming' as membership change 'makes your songs sound even better for extra fee'
SPOTIFY bills are set to become more expensive than ever amid reports the global streaming service is moving forward with its long-awaited "lossless" audio feature.
The new development was spotted by a reverse engineer who found multiple mentions of "lossless" in Wednesday's build of the Spotify desktop app.
Advertisement
1
This is the first sign the 'lossless audio' service is still under development at Spotify
These code snippets mainly refer to help cards that would appear to inform users about what the lossless tier offers and how to use or troubleshoot it.
It's been more than four years since the company first announced its plans to launch a "lossless audio" tier that has yet to arrive.
While there have been numerous leaks and teases from company execs, this is the first sign the service is still under development.
Sites such as Tech Crunch are reporting that the code indicates the feature could even be getting closer to launch.
Advertisement
According Chris Messina, the engineer who uncovered the roll out, one card says, 'Lossless music, now in premium,' while another describes it as the 'best sound quality on Spotify for music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz'.
Some of the cards warn users that particular songs aren't available in lossless or when their device has bad connectivity, which could affect playback.
Another notes that lossless music is 'best enjoyed on devices compatible with Spotify Connect and/or wired devices.'
In addition, Reddit user u/bendotlc noted that other changes were seen in the latest version of the mobile app, where the code now mentions lossless.
Advertisement
How to save money on Spotify
They wrote: 'Say hello to the best sound quality on Spotify. Listen to high-fidelity music in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.'
The user claimed the feature is actually present in the app, but is currently disabled.
Of course, code references don't mean the lossless feature is coming anytime soon.
Leaks and code references have appeared before, and yet the high-quality audio tier never arrived.
Advertisement
When asked directly about lossless and other plans for premium tiers on recent earnings calls with investors, Spotify execs, including CEO Daniel Ek, would only hint that the company was investing in premium products for 'super fans'.
They wouldn't give a time frame on when these or any other higher-quality streaming options would finally launch.
Most recently, Spotify Chief Business Officer Alex Norstrom told investors on the Q1 2025 call that Spotify was still investing in more premium tiers.
'Now, with regards to higher tiers, we see great potential in them as we've mentioned before,' he said. 'So creating higher tiers around new offerings is something we are working towards as it really opens up new opportunities to delight users."
Advertisement
When Spotify first announced its plans for Spotify HiFi, as it was then called, in 2021, it said that the service would offer users music in 'CD-quality, lossless audio format.'
It had run tests of a lossless option in the years before this, however.
Eventually, Spotify pointed to licensing issues as the reason for its delay in launching.
In what could be promising news on that front, the streamer signed new deals with labels including Warner Music and Universal Music Group in early 2025, which could pave the way for the lossless tier — or so music fans hope.
Advertisement
Bloomberg also reported earlier this year that a premium Music Pro tier would launch later in 2025, which would include high-quality streaming, remixing, and other features.
Spotify declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
21 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Stop Your Spotify Premium Subscription
Canceling your Spotify Premium subscription is a straightforward process, but it requires specific steps that must be completed through the Spotify website. Unlike many other subscription services, Spotify does not allow you to manage or cancel your subscription directly through its mobile app. By following the outlined steps in the video below from Trevor Nace, you can ensure a smooth and efficient cancellation process while avoiding unnecessary confusion. Watch this video on YouTube. Step 1: Access the Spotify Website To initiate the cancellation process, open a web browser such as Chrome, Safari, or any other browser you prefer. Navigate to Spotify's official website by entering the URL directly or searching for it through a search engine. It is essential to ensure that you have a stable and secure internet connection to avoid interruptions during the process. Using a trusted device, such as your personal computer or smartphone, is recommended for added security. Step 2: Log Into Your Spotify Account Once you are on the Spotify website, log in using your account credentials, including your registered email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, you can use the 'Forgot Password' option to reset it. In some cases, Spotify may prompt you to complete an email verification step to confirm your identity. This added layer of security helps protect your account from unauthorized access. Ensure you have access to the email address linked to your Spotify account to complete this step without delays. Step 3: Navigate to Account Settings After successfully logging in, locate the account settings section. This can typically be accessed by clicking on your profile icon or the gear icon, usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select the 'View Account' option. This will redirect you to your account overview page, where you can manage various aspects of your Spotify account, including your subscription details. Step 4: Access Subscription Management On the account overview page, scroll down to find the section labeled 'Your Plan' or 'Subscription.' This section provides an overview of your current subscription plan, including payment details and renewal dates. To proceed, click on the 'Manage Your Subscription' option. This will open a new page where you can view additional details about your plan. To cancel your subscription, select the 'Cancel Premium' or 'Cancel Subscription' option. Spotify may display information about the benefits of staying subscribed, but you can proceed by confirming your intention to cancel. Step 5: Confirm Your Cancellation Spotify will guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your decision. These prompts are designed to ensure that you fully understand the implications of canceling your subscription. For instance, you may lose access to certain features such as offline listening, ad-free playback, and higher audio quality. Carefully follow the on-screen instructions and confirm your cancellation when prompted. Once completed, your subscription will be scheduled for cancellation at the end of your current billing cycle. What Happens After You Cancel? After canceling your Spotify Premium subscription, you will retain access to all premium features until the end of your current billing period. For example, if your billing date is the 20th of the month and you cancel on the 15th, you can continue enjoying premium benefits until the 20th. However, it is important to note that Spotify does not issue refunds for unused portions of your subscription. Therefore, timing your cancellation appropriately can help you maximize the value of your subscription. Once your subscription ends, your account will automatically revert to the free version of Spotify. This version includes ads, limited skips, and other restrictions compared to the premium experience. If you decide to resubscribe in the future, you can easily upgrade your account through the same subscription management section. Key Points to Keep in Mind Spotify Premium subscriptions can only be canceled through the Spotify website; the mobile app does not support subscription management. You may be required to complete an email verification step during the login process for security purposes. Access the 'View Account' section to locate and manage your subscription settings. Follow all on-screen prompts carefully to confirm your cancellation and avoid any errors. Your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle, but Spotify does not provide refunds for unused time. Additional Tips for Managing Your Subscription If you are unsure about canceling your Spotify Premium subscription, consider exploring alternative options such as downgrading to a different plan. Spotify offers various subscription tiers, including individual, family, and student plans, which may better suit your needs and budget. Additionally, you can take advantage of Spotify's free trial offers if you wish to test premium features before committing to a paid plan again. For users who experience technical difficulties during the cancellation process, contacting Spotify's customer support team can provide further assistance. The support team can help resolve issues related to account access, billing, or subscription management. By understanding the steps involved and keeping these tips in mind, you can manage your Spotify subscription effectively and make informed decisions about your account. Gain further expertise in Spotify Premium cancellation by checking out these recommendations. Source & Image Credit: Trevor Nace Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
NBC News
a day ago
- NBC News
Apple reveals complex system of App Store fees to avoid EU fine of 500 million euro
Apple Thursday made changes to its App Store European policies, saying it believes the new rules will help the company avoid a fine of 500 million euro ($585 million) from the EU for violating the Digital Markets Act. The new policies are a complicated system of fees and programs for app makers, with some developers now paying three separate fees for one download. Apple also is going to introduce a new set of rules for all app developers in Europe, which includes a fee called the 'core technology commission' of 5% on all digital purchases made outside the App Store. The changes Apple announced are not a complete departure from the company's previous policy that drew the European Commission's attention in the first place. Apple said it did not want to make the changes but was forced to by the European Commission's regulations, which threatened fines of up to 50 million euros per day. Apple said it believed its plan is in compliance with the DMA and that it will avoid fines. 'The European Commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store,' an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. 'We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal.' A spokesperson for the European Commission did not say that Apple was no longer subject to the fine. He said in a statement that the EC is looking at Apple's new terms to see if the company is in compliance. 'As part of this assessment the Commission considers it particularly important to obtain the views of market operators and interested third parties before deciding on next steps,' the spokesperson said in a statement. The saga in Brussels is the latest example of Apple fiercely defending its App Store policies, a key source of profit for the iPhone maker through fees of between 15% and 30% on downloads through its App Store. It also shows that Apple is continuing to claim it is owed a commission when iPhone apps link to websites for digital purchases overseas despite a recent court ruling that barred the practice in the U.S. Steering rules no longer in effect in U.S. Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple was required to allow app developers more choices for how they distribute and promote their apps. In particular, developers are no longer prohibited from telling their users about cheaper alternatives to Apple's App Store, a practice called 'steering' by regulators. In early 2024, Apple announced its changes, including a 50 cent fee on off-platform app downloads. Critics, including Sweden's Spotify, pushed back on Apple's proposed changes, saying that the tech firm chose an approach that violated the spirit of the rules, and that its fees and commissions challenge the viability of the alternative billing system. The European Commission investigated for a year, and it said on Thursday that it would again seek feedback from Apple's critics. 'From the beginning, Apple has been clear that they didn't like the idea of abiding by the DMA,' Spotify said last year. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company successfully changed Apple's steering rules in the U.S. earlier this year, accused Apple of ' malicious compliance ' in its approach to the DMA. 'Apple's new Digital Markets Act malicious compliance scheme is blatantly unlawful in both Europe and the United States and makes a mockery of fair competition in digital markets,' Sweeney posted on social media on Thursday. 'Apps with competing payments are not only taxed but commercially crippled in the App Store.' The European Commission announced the 500 million euro fine in April. The commission at the time said that the tech company might still be able to make changes to avoid the fine. Apple's restrictions on steering in the United States were tossed earlier this year, following a court order in the long-running Epic Games case. A judge in California found that Apple had purposely misled the court about its steering concessions in the United States and instructed it to immediately stop asking charging a fee or commission on for external downloads. The order is currently in effect in the United States as it is being appealed and has already shifted the economics of app development. As a result, companies like Amazon and Spotify in the U.S. can direct customers to their own websites and avoid Apple's 15% to 30% commission.
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Scotsman
As an audio expert here's 4 things I would change if I had access to your Spotify account
Spotify trades some of its music quality for availability, but these settings could help. Hi-fi music streaming expert Steve Helliker has these tips to get the most from your Spotify account. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Audio expert Steve Helliker from Ultimate Stream shares insights into Spotify's playback settings that can help millions get more from their streaming service. Spotify is the most used streaming service in the world, with over 350 million users worldwide. The platform is highly accessible and offers an immense music catalogue for people to explore. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, Spotify trades off some of its music quality for this availability, with rivals such as Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music offering a wider range of listening options with varying levels of quality. Steve Helliker, hi-fi music streaming expert and founding director of Ultimate Stream, shares his advice on getting the most out of your Spotify subscription: 'Most people simply press play on their preferred music when using streaming services, but there are a number of playback settings you may not know about that can vastly improve your listening experience.' Equaliser settings The equaliser allows you to adjust the audio frequencies of your music. Spotify provides 5-6 adjustable nodes that alter playback. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Increasing deeper frequencies while reducing higher ones emphasises the bass, making it ideal for hip-hop and electronic music, whereas the opposite is better suited to classical music. To access the equaliser, go to Settings and Privacy > Playback > Equaliser. You can manually adjust all the nodes or choose from a range of preset options to best suit your listening preferences. Preset equaliser settings include: Pop R&B Rock Acoustic Bass Boosted Vocal Booster Audio quality You can also adjust the quality level of your music, with four settings ranging from Low to High (plus a fifth setting, Very High, available to Spotify Premium subscribers). This allows you to control playback quality when using the app and can be set separately for Wi-Fi and mobile streaming. One thing to be aware of is that listening in High or Very High quality while on mobile data will use more data, so be mindful of your usage when changing this setting. Mono audio Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Disabling mono audio creates a more spatial sound and allows you to hear the music as the artist intended. This is particularly important for tracks where certain sounds are designed to play across different headphones. While some may not always enjoy this experience, real audiophiles will likely want to hear songs in their original format. This setting is often automatically turned off, but this may not be the case for every user, so it's important to check your settings. Loud/Normal/Quiet You can also choose a volume level in the Playback settings, selecting between Loud, Normal, and Quiet. These settings allow you to adapt your listening experience to your environment: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Loud – Ideal for parties Normal – Best for everyday listening Quiet – Perfect for relaxed listening or enjoying finer details in music Spotify's settings warn of a loss of audio quality when selecting Loud, but Normal and Quiet do not affect audio quality. While Normal is recommended for most users, switching between Quiet and Loud in the right situations can enhance your listening experience.
