Is Spotify’s long-delayed HiFi streaming tier lastly nearing its debut? A survey served to not less than one person means that the corporate hasn’t forgotten about it, and HiFi may be packaged into a brand new dearer “Platinum” plan that may include different perks.

Over on Reddit, a former Spotify subscriber shared screenshots of a survey that they have been lately requested to take. The questionnaire requested whether or not they would rejoin / swap to the service based mostly on new plan tiers. The normal free and particular person choices are proven, however the survey additionally mentions a $19.99 Platinum tier that may carry over the usual paid advantages whereas including HiFi and additional options referred to as Studio Sound, Headphone Tuner, Audio Insights, Library Pro, and Playlist Pro. The new plan would additionally restrict advert interruptions for Spotify’s library of authentic podcasts.

I messaged the Reddit person who took the survey, who shared extra particulars on what it entailed. The survey confirmed a number of completely different variations of the Platinum plan. In one case, it additionally included entry to audiobooks, which Spotify started promoting in September. That theoretical plan bumped the value up additional.

Spotify HiFi was initially introduced in February 2021, and on the time, the corporate claimed it will roll out by the top of final yr. That by no means occurred, and Spotify has gone radio silent on the function’s standing ever since and refuses to offer any substantial updates.

In the meantime, Apple has introduced lossless and high-resolution audio to Apple Music at no further value. Some imagine that this transfer caught Spotify off guard — it’s possible the corporate initially hoped to cost further for premium sound — and led to HiFi being postponed. The survey’s thought of splitting HiFi off right into a pricier plan would help that concept. Amazon Music additionally now consists of lossless streaming in its normal subscription plan.

As for the opposite options talked about within the survey, “Studio Sound” may probably be Spotify’s branding for immersive Dolby Atmos / 360 Reality audio, however I’m simply spitballing there. It additionally appears the corporate may reserve superior library and playlist performance solely for the Platinum tier. What would that appear like? Better group? Smart playlists? Are these bonuses compelling sufficient to pay extra for? Hopefully we’ll know the complete particulars quickly sufficient.

The Verge has reached out to Spotify for remark.