Spotify will finally offer lossless HD music playback this year with the introduction of the Spotify HiFi subscription tier.

This upgrade offers CD-quality streaming similar to what Tidal and Amazon Music HD already offer, and could be a blow to Apple Music, one of the few streaming services without HD audio options. Potential.

Spotify explained at the Stream On event that it will "begin rolling out in select markets later this year" and will deliver music in a high-definition lossless format. As with other HD audio streaming services, no actual hi-fi equipment is required for playback.

Spotify HiFi will be compatible with Spotify Connect devices like smart TVs, but Spotify has stated that it will "make Spotify HiFi accessible to as many fans as possible through Spotify Connect, suggesting that not all devices will have this feature at launch.

HD lossless audio escapes the compression that degrades the sound quality of "lossy" formats such as AAC, Apple's preferred format, allowing many listeners to hear clearer, more detailed sound.

Until now, this lossless audio has not been present in Spotify's toolbox. Therefore, this announcement is likely to be well received by the more audiophile segment of the service's vast user base, even if the details of pricing and release date remain unknown.

Like Amazon Music HD, Spotify HiFi will likely require a separate, perhaps more expensive subscription to the existing $10/month Premium. Also, not all songs currently in Spotify's library will be available in HD format.

Still, given the sheer size of this library, it is probably a good bet that Spotify HiFi will eventually have a catalog of lossless songs that rivals the more established Amazon Music HD and Tidal.

Spotify also explains that "HiFi works in tandem with Spotify's seamless user experience and builds on our commitment to allow users to listen to the music they like the way they like it." Therefore, familiar features such as personalized playlists, offline playback, and easy music sharing may all carry over to Spotify HiFi.

Spotify HiFi will be an exciting addition to music streaming.

This is also a warning to Apple Music: the Cupertino music service has long been rumored to add a lossless streaming option, but Apple will need to act quickly to avoid being left behind in HD audio.