Spotify blows through 2021 HiFi streaming deadline, with no release in sight

In February 2021, Spotify attempted to spoil the launch of lossless audio streams on Apple Music by declaring its own feature was on the way. Spotify HiFi, which would provide CD-quality lossless audio to Premium subscribers, was supposed to launch in "select markets" later in 2021.

Almost ten months later without a release, Spotify has offered an update on Spotify HiFi. However, rather than being hopeful and offering when to expect its launch, the update is somewhat disappointing for those paying a monthly subscription to the music streaming service.

In an update to a lengthy community thread for feature ideas, Spotify posted on Friday an assurance that it is still working on the feature. "We know that HiFi quality audio is important to you. We feel the same, and we're excited to deliver a Spotify HiFi experience to Premium users in the future," the update reads.

While initially hopeful, the update then follows up by admitting "But we don't have timing details to share yet." Spotify concludes by saying it will update the community about the feature in the future.

Spotify doesn't offer any explanation for why it missed its quite long deadline, nor what is stopping it from offering the service to paying users.

Though Spotify attempted to spoil the launch of Apple Music lossless audio the Apple streaming service's feature seemingly wasn't affected by the announcement. Apple announced lossless audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos in May, then made the features available to users in June.