Apple Music is reportedly prepping a new lossless audio subscription tier.
“Get ready—music is about to change forever,” the platform teased on its Browse page, accompanied by a dizzying clip of the Apple Music logo flipping from black to white and back again. No additional information—product details, launch date, etc.—has been revealed. All signs (including previous findings in the Android Apple Music app), however, point to the announcement of lossless audio streaming as soon as Tuesday, May 18.
It’s unclear whether the new option will harmonize with Apple’s existing spatial audio feature. Cupertino in June introduced the 3D listening experience—compatible with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max and enabled in iOS 14. The feature uses built-in accelerometers to track your head movements and effectively change the direction of sound for a truly immersive effect.
But what good is proper surround sound if you’re missing out on the finer points? In contrast to popular audio formats like AAC, MP3, and WMA—which lose certain complexities when compressed—lossless or high fidelity music promises a richer, more fully detailed sound.
Assuming the rumors are true, Apple Music subscribers can look forward to a (presumably more expensive) HiFi tier “coming soon.” Whether or not the launch will include a look at third-generation AirPods remains to be seen. Streaming rival Spotify earlier this year unveiled a new HiFi subscription plan that promises “high-quality” lossless audio. Starting later this year, Spotify Premium users can upgrade to enjoy all the subtle details they may have missed in their favorite recordings.
