Spotify finally rolls out Lossless Audio after years of waiting

Spotify is finally delivering on one of its most requested promises: lossless audio streaming. After years of speculation, delays, and growing frustration among users, the music platform has confirmed that a high-fidelity audio option is now becoming available to Premium subscribers across more than 50 countries. The feature, which streams tracks in FLAC format at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, will complement existing quality settings—Low, Normal, High, and Very High—offering a major upgrade for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

For Spotify, the rollout represents the end of a long and somewhat awkward chapter. The demand for lossless quality has been impossible to ignore, particularly since Apple Music beat Spotify to the punch by several years. In June 2021, Apple stunned the industry by making its entire 75-million-song library available in its own ALAC format at no extra cost, alongside Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. The move set a new benchmark for music streaming services, leaving Spotify users to wonder when—or if—their platform of choice would follow suit.

Now, four years later, Spotify is finally catching up. In a blog post announcing the launch, Gustav Gyllenhammar, Spotify’s Vice President of Subscriptions, acknowledged the long wait but defended the company’s deliberate pace. According to him, the team chose to prioritize not just the quality of the audio itself, but also ease of use and consistency across devices. “We wanted to make sure we got it right,” he explained, suggesting that a rushed rollout could have led to compromises in performance or user experience.

Enabling lossless audio on Spotify isn’t automatic—you’ll have to adjust your settings. Within the app, under “Media Quality,” users can now select “Lossless” for streaming over Wi-Fi, mobile data, or for downloads. The caveat is that these preferences must be set individually for each device, which might frustrate subscribers who listen on multiple platforms. Nevertheless, once enabled, the difference is expected to be noticeable, especially for those with high-end headphones or speaker systems.

Spotify has also cautioned users about how they access the feature. While lossless audio theoretically guarantees pristine sound, the company advises against relying on Bluetooth connections, which compress audio signals and undermine the benefits of higher fidelity. Instead, Spotify recommends wired headphones or compatible speakers that connect directly through Spotify Connect. A strong Wi-Fi connection is also encouraged to ensure smooth playback without interruptions.

The gradual rollout began in early September and will continue through October, reaching Premium subscribers in over 50 countries. Among the first to receive access are Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom. As availability expands, users in these markets should start to see the option appear in their apps soon.

Lossless audio is supported across Spotify’s mobile, desktop, and tablet applications, making it widely accessible regardless of device. In addition, many popular audio brands already support the feature through Spotify Connect, including Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser. However, those relying on Sonos or Amazon hardware will need to wait a little longer, as support for those devices is scheduled to roll out next month.

The significance of this launch extends beyond technical specifications. For Spotify, introducing lossless audio is both a response to user demand and a competitive necessity. The platform has built its reputation on accessibility, personalization, and vast music discovery tools, but in recent years it has faced criticism for falling behind rivals when it comes to sound quality. By finally offering high-resolution streaming, Spotify is signaling to its loyal subscribers that it can still evolve with the industry.

There’s also a symbolic element at play. Lossless has become something of a benchmark feature in streaming, seen not just as a technical upgrade but as a mark of respect for serious music fans. By meeting this demand, Spotify acknowledges the importance of listening experience alongside convenience and library size. For creators, too, it means their music can finally be heard as intended, without the compression that strips away subtle details.

Still, the move raises a few lingering questions. Unlike Apple Music, which introduced lossless audio at no additional cost, Spotify has yet to clarify whether the feature will remain bundled into existing Premium tiers permanently or become part of a separate, more expensive plan in the future. For now, at least, subscribers in eligible regions can enjoy the upgrade without extra fees.

The rollout also highlights the changing expectations of listeners. As more people invest in better headphones, home audio systems, and even car stereos designed for high-fidelity playback, demand for premium sound quality has grown. Lossless audio no longer feels like a niche perk for audiophiles; it has become a mainstream expectation. Spotify’s embrace of the format is both a recognition of this trend and an effort to ensure the platform remains a leader rather than a follower in the years ahead.

For users, the arrival of lossless audio marks a new chapter in how they experience music on Spotify. Whether revisiting a favorite album or exploring new artists, the promise of higher fidelity offers a richer, more immersive connection to sound. After years of anticipation, the wait is finally over—Spotify has entered the lossless era.