Music-streaming giant Spotify has rolled out its latest big update with lossless audio, undercutting one of the main advantages of competitor Apple Music.
Spotify subscribers have been clamouring for lossless audio – a level of quality equal to the original recording rather than compressed or diminished by the streaming services – for years, reports Forbes. A promised introduction in 2021 fell through, Spotify indefinitely delaying the feature in 2022, but now the wait is finally over.
The company announced Wednesday that it would begin rolling out top-quality lossless audio to paid subscribers in 50 markets through October, although users in 12 countries already have the option to enable this feature.
For subscribers looking to try it out, Spotify has provided a simple step-by-step guide complete with pictures so even the least tech savvy can tap into better audio quality. You may need to invest in wired headphones, though, the company pointing out that Bluetooth connections do not support lossless audio.
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“We’ve taken time to build this feature in a way that prioritizes quality, ease of use, and clarity at every step, so you always know what’s happening under the hood,” Gustav Gyllenhammar, Spotify’s vice president for subscriptions, said in a press release. Subscribers can customise settings for wi-fi, cellular and downloads on each device, knowing how much data each level of music quality requires so they can make an informed choice.
Spotify leads the world in music streaming, according to a July report from the Wall Street Journal, accounting for more than a third of US music streaming alone. An earnings call from the same month put the streaming platform’s global subscriber base at 276 million.
Launching lossless audio puts Spotify audio quality on par with its closest competitor, Apple Music, as well as services like Tidal and Amazon Music. Apple Music still has some advanced audio features that Spotify lacks, like spatial audio, but lags behind on ease of use and custom features like the annual Spotify Wrapped.
Just last month, Spotify touted two new features designed to enhance user experience. The first, rolled out in early August, allows users to create their own transitions between songs in their playlists. Another feature announced later in the month will allow users to message one another audio recommendations right on the Spotify app, making it even easier to share your new favourite song or that audio book you just can’t put down.
