Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, has recently launched a new Basic plan in the United States. This comes just a few weeks after the platform implemented its second price hike within a year. The Basic plan brings back the old price of $10.99 per month and offers all the benefits of the Premium plan, except for 15 hours of audiobook listening per month. Access to music and podcasts, however, will remain unrestricted.
What’s interesting about this new option is that it is only available to “eligible” customers, as stated in the announcement. Unlike other subscription plans that can be signed up for on Spotify’s website, this plan is not listed there. It can only be viewed by current subscribers who are logged into their accounts on desktop or Android phones. Essentially, the Basic plan serves as a downgrade for users who do not want the audiobook perk.
iPhone owners, on the other hand, may face some difficulties in changing their Premium plan to Basic. Due to App Store policies, iOS users are unable to make this change through the app. Instead, they will have to do it through a browser on desktop or mobile.
In addition to the Basic plan, Spotify has also introduced a Basic Family plan at a cost of $16.99. This plan offers most of the same benefits as a Premium Family subscription, such as access to Spotify Kids and the ability for parents to control explicit content. However, it does not provide up to six Premium or Kids accounts like the Premium Family plan does. Similar to the individual Basic plan, the Basic Family plan does not include the audiobook listening hours.
This expansion of subscription options is not limited to the United States. Spotify has also launched the Basic Individual option in the UK and Australia, following a brief appearance of this plan in the UK earlier this month. In addition, Spotify offers a Basic Duo plan in certain regions to complement its Premium version. However, no specific prices for these additional plans have been mentioned.
While Spotify continues to introduce new subscription options, there is still no word on the highly anticipated HiFi tier. Back in June, a leak suggested that the HiFi tier may be released as an add-on to Spotify Premium rather than a standalone service. When asked for updates on this upcoming offering, Spotify did not provide any details, stating that they have “nothing to share at this time.”
As Spotify continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it remains one of the top music streaming services in the market. However, with various subscription plans and the potential for additional features like HiFi, consumers have a range of options to choose from based on their individual preferences and needs.
In conclusion, Spotify’s launch of the Basic plan in the United States, as well as its expansion into other countries, demonstrates the platform’s commitment to providing flexible subscription options for its users. While the recent price hikes may have raised concerns among some subscribers, the introduction of the Basic plan at a lower price point with most of the same benefits offers a viable alternative. Additionally, the introduction of the Basic Family plan caters to the needs of families who want to enjoy Spotify’s offerings at a more affordable rate. As Spotify continues to evolve, the anticipation for the HiFi tier remains high, and users eagerly await any updates on this upcoming feature. Overall, Spotify remains a leading player in the music streaming industry, with its diverse range of plans and features catering to the needs of a broad user base.
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