Spotify’s long-awaited lossless audio feature is finally here. After years of speculation, teases, and postponed launch dates, Premium subscribers can now stream music in FLAC-quality up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz, delivering sound with sharper detail, deeper textures, and richer dynamics. From subtle acoustic strums to booming electronic beats, lossless streaming brings listeners closer to the way artists intended their music to sound.
The rollout began on September 10, 2025, in select markets, with a global expansion to more than 50 regions expected by the end of October. While Kenya and other African markets are not included yet, Spotify has confirmed that these regions will gain access as the rollout continues. Users will receive in-app notifications once lossless audio becomes available in their country.
Activating the feature requires a few manual steps. On any device, navigate to Settings & Privacy → Media Quality, and toggle lossless streaming for Wi-Fi, cellular, and downloads. Spotify also provides data usage estimates for each quality setting, from low to lossless, helping users avoid unexpected data overages. For the best experience, wired headphones or speakers on Wi-Fi are recommended, since Bluetooth connections still compress the audio signal. Devices may also take slightly longer to start tracks in lossless quality, as the higher-resolution files are cached to prevent mid-song interruptions.
The introduction of lossless streaming coincides with broader shifts at Spotify. While the platform is upgrading audio quality for Premium users, the much-discussed super premium tier — rumored to cost around $6 extra per month — remains in limbo. Years of negotiations with record labels and internal debates over features have delayed its release. Spotify co-president Alex Norström described price increases as a permanent lever for growth, noting that any hike would come with added value for listeners. However, the exact offerings at the super premium level, which could include advanced playlist tools, exclusive content, or enhanced lossless options, are still undefined.
In Kenya, Spotify has also recently adjusted its Premium pricing. Effective September 2025, the Individual plan costs Ksh 370 per month, the Student plan Ksh 169, Duo Ksh 480, and Family Ksh 549. The adjustments reflect Spotify’s global strategy of maintaining sustainable growth while offering enhanced features to subscribers. New users in Kenya can take advantage of free trials: three months for the Individual plan and one month for Students, providing an opportunity to experience the service before committing financially.
| Plan Type | Monthly Price (KES) | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Ksh 370 | Includes 1 Premium account. New users can enjoy a 3-month free trial until 22 September 2025. |
| Student | Ksh 169 | Available for verified students at accredited higher education institutions. Includes a 1-month free trial. |
| Duo | Ksh 480 | Provides 2 Premium accounts for couples or housemates residing at the same address. |
| Family | Ksh 549 | Up to 6 Premium accounts for family members under one roof. Includes parental controls and personalized playlists. |
Lossless audio is part of Spotify’s broader “ubiquity strategy,” which aims to make the platform central to digital listening across music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Recent updates include AI-driven DJ tools and customizable playlist transitions, which together with lossless audio provide a tangible improvement in user experience. While the super premium tier remains in development, these incremental enhancements keep Spotify competitive against rivals such as Apple Music and Amazon Music, which already offer high-resolution streaming at no additional cost.
Spotify’s business continues to grow despite these strategic challenges. The company now boasts 276 million paying subscribers globally, up 12% year-on-year, and 696 million monthly active users. Earlier cost-cutting measures, coupled with revenue growth, helped Spotify post its first annual profit in 2024, underscoring that investments in technology and user experience are translating into tangible business outcomes.
For listeners, the immediate benefit is clear: lossless streaming transforms ordinary listening sessions into more immersive experiences. Every note, every subtle vibrato, and every beat lands with clarity that standard compressed audio often muffles. Even as subscription prices increase and the super premium tier remains unrealized, Premium subscribers can enjoy an upgrade that materially changes the way they hear music.
Spotify’s rollout of lossless audio is both a nod to audiophiles and a strategic move to fortify its position in the global streaming market. It signals that while new tiers and features may take time, the platform is committed to improving the quality of everyday listening for millions of users. For Premium subscribers in Kenya and elsewhere, the wait for higher fidelity sound is nearly over — and the difference is already audible.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent.
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