Spotify Launches Lossless Audio for Premium Users in the UK

Spotify has officially launched its long-awaited lossless audio feature for Premium subscribers in the UK and over 50 other markets. This significant upgrade allows users to experience a marked improvement in streaming quality through the use of FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files, delivering clearer sound compared to the previous “Very High” setting. The rollout is a substantial enhancement to Spotify’s core offerings, following years of delays and anticipation.

Lossless audio preserves the original recording’s details without any compression, providing a richer listening experience. With Spotify’s implementation, users can access audio quality of up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, equivalent to CD quality. Unlike standard streaming, which compresses audio to minimize file size, lossless streaming retains the full fidelity of tracks, making it ideal for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

How to Access Lossless Audio on Spotify

To take advantage of this new feature, users must subscribe to Spotify Premium, which now includes lossless audio at no additional cost. They should also update their Spotify app to the latest version on mobile, tablet, or desktop. Once the app is updated, users can navigate to their profile, access settings, and select audio quality preferences. Lossless streaming options can be configured individually for Wi-Fi, mobile data, and downloaded tracks.

It is important to note that not all devices can utilize lossless streaming. Compatible audio gear capable of processing FLAC files is essential. Systems that support Spotify Connect, laptops with wired outputs, and high-end mobile phones can all handle this upgrade effectively. Spotify emphasizes the need for wired headphones to fully appreciate the audio quality, as most Bluetooth connections compress the audio signal.

To ensure a smooth experience, users should have a stable internet connection, as streaming high-resolution files requires more bandwidth. A small badge on the player interface will indicate when tracks are being streamed in lossless quality.

Considerations for Users

While the introduction of lossless audio is a major advancement, users should be aware that lossless files are larger than standard streaming formats. This can lead to increased data usage when streaming over mobile networks and higher storage consumption when downloading music. Users with limited mobile data or older devices may need to adjust their settings to avoid issues.

Spotify has stated that the lossless feature is being rolled out gradually, meaning not all songs in the catalogue will support this quality immediately. However, popular tracks are likely to be prioritized.

The launch of lossless audio in the UK represents a significant milestone for Spotify, which has been behind competitors like Tidal and Apple Music in offering high-fidelity audio. By including this feature in the standard Premium package, Spotify makes high-quality listening more accessible to its users without increasing subscription costs.