At the beginning of this month it was rumored that Apple was planning to launch a new HiFi, or lossless audio, option for Apple Music in the near future. And now it looks like the Android version of Apple Music may be confirming just as much.
As reported today by 9to5Google, the official Android version of Apple Music has some juicy tidbits buried deep within the beta version of the app. It’s not the public version of the app just yet, but it’s certainly a sign that a change is coming soon.
In this beta version, the Apple Music app directly references lossless audio support — a reference that was not there previously. As one can guess, this suggests that Apple is preparing to launch this feature support at some point in the near future.
From the beta:
Lossless audio files preserve every detail of the original file. Turning this on will consume significantly more data.
Lossless audio files will use significantly more space on your device. 10 GB of space could store approximately: – 3000 songs at high quality – 1000 songs with lossless – 200 songs with hi-res lossless
Lossless streaming will consume significantly more data. A 3-minute song will be approximately: – 1.5 MB with high efficiency- 6 MB with high quality at 256 kbps- 36 MB with lossless at 24-bit/48 kHz- 145 MB with hi-res lossless at 24-bit/192 kHzSupport varies and depends on song availability, network conditions, and connected speaker or headphone capability.
It is all very clear and concise in that language. Right now, Apple Music does not support lossless audio playback, sticking firmly to the 256kbps AAC format. However, with companies like Amazon and Tidal offering HiFi support –and Spotify launching similar support later this year— it only makes sense that Apple finally jumps on the bandwagon.
Interestingly, it looks like Apple may be ready to offer two different lossless audio options when the feature launches:
Lossless
ALAC up to 24-bit/48 kHzHigh-Res Lossless
ALAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz
It’s worth noting that, earlier today, it was rumored that Apple is planning to launch HiFi support for Apple Music on Tuesday, May 18. At the same time, the company is expected to launch the third-generation AirPods as well.
If that is indeed the case, next week should be entertaining enough. Are you looking forward to Apple Music HiFi?