Apple Music and other subscription services are being expanded to more markets around the world as part of an effort by the tech giant to shift its focus away from the iPhone to digital content and subscriptions
Apple Music and other subscription services are being expanded to more markets around the world as part of an effort by the tech giant to shift its focus away from the iPhone to digital content and subscriptions

Apple has wow its fans once again by releasing a teaser of the heavily rumored Apple Music Hi-Fi tier.

"Get ready—music is about to change forever," the post reads. Right above it is a kicker saying, "Coming soon."

The teaser, which surfaced recently on the Browse tab of the Apple Music app and is embedded across iOS and macOS devices, hints that Apple is up to something with its audio streaming app. It also suggests the arrival of Apple Music's lossless audio or 3D option, reported MacRumors.

The teaser is accompanied by a 15-second Tune-In video showcasing the animated Apple Music logo switching between the colors black and white. As the logo spins, it multiplies itself and the duplicate logos sweep fast in-camera before returning to their place and switching color.

MacRumors interpreted the video's spinning effect and color switch from the black logo on a white background to the white logo on a black background as a preview of how Apple intends to upgrade its audio streaming plan. According to the report, the Tune-In video could signify Apple's plan to bring in the Spatial Audio surround-sound nature for a better streaming experience.

The new Apple Music Browser teaser strengthens previous rumors about Apple's plan to release a high-fidelity option on its audio streaming platform. Previous reports revealed that Apple was working on higher bitrate audio streams for Apple Music. Some reports also suggested that the Apple Music Hi-Fi tier could launch on May 18, along with the third-generation AirPods.

In a report published last month, Hits Daily Double said Apple would announce the high-fidelity audio streaming in the coming weeks. The report also claimed that the Hi-Fi audio streaming plan would be priced at $9.99 just like the standard plan.

Apple Music currently streams at 256kbps. If rumors about the Apple Music Hi-Fi tier come to pass, audio streaming can be expected to reach a maximum of 1,411kbps bitrate, similar to Tidal's, Apple Insider said in a report.

As of the moment, only Amazon Music and Tidal are the ones offering lossless audio streams. Spotify Hi-Fi was already announced, yet users still await its public launch.

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Photo: AFP / Lionel BONAVENTURE