Spotify could soon solve its biggest lossless audio download problem

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• Spotify is testing a “Bulk Redownload” tool that will help users automatically upgrade offline music to higher‑quality tiers.
• The feature specifically addresses the current need to manually delete and redownload files when switching to lossless audio.
• The app will display dynamic warnings about the significant storage and data impact of bulk lossless downloads.

Recent Spotify Updates

Spotify has had a busy April, launching several features, including Fitness with Spotify, Verified by Spotify, and a redesign of its tablet apps. The company now appears to be gearing up for another useful addition: a Bulk Redownload feature that many users have long requested for lossless music.

Offline Download Quality Options

Premium users can choose the following quality levels for offline downloads:

When switching between non‑lossless tiers, Spotify automatically upgrades existing downloads to the new quality. However, moving to the lossless tier currently requires users to delete and redownload their library manually.

Bulk Redownload Feature

In Spotify for Android 9.1.48.148, code for a new Bulk Redownload feature has been spotted. The strings suggest an option to “Update existing downloads” to the selected audio quality.

<resources>
    <string name="bulk_redownload_title">Update existing downloads</string>
    <string name="bulk_redownload_description">
        Update your existing downloads to the audio quality you've selected.
    </string>
</resources>

Although the strings do not explicitly mention lossless, the feature could fill the gap where lossless upgrades are currently manual.

Warning Dialogs

Storage Warnings

<string name="bulk_redownload_storage_warning">
    Your downloads currently use %1$s of storage. In %2$s, they'll use about %3$s.
</string>
<string name="bulk_redownload_storage_warning_detail">
    Your downloads currently use %1$s of storage. In %2$s, they'll use about %3$s. This could cause your device to run out of space.
</string>

Cellular‑Data Warnings

<string name="bulk_redownload_cellular_warning">
    You’re on mobile data. Downloading in %1$s may use up to %2$s. This could significantly impact your data plan.
</string>
<string name="bulk_redownload_cellular_setting">
    Update your settings to enable downloads using mobile data.
</string>
<string name="bulk_redownload_cellular_prompt">
    Download using mobile data?
</string>
<string name="bulk_redownload_cellular_update_prompt">
    Update existing downloads to %1$s over cellular?
</string>
<string name="bulk_redownload_change_cellular_setting">
    Change cellular setting
</string>

These dialogs indicate that Spotify intends to warn users about potential storage exhaustion and data‑plan impact before proceeding with a bulk quality upgrade.

Outlook

If released, the Bulk Redownload feature could become available across all quality tiers, giving users a consistent way to upgrade their offline library without manual deletion and re‑download.

⚠️ An APK teardown can predict upcoming features based on work‑in‑progress code, but there is no guarantee that the feature will reach a public release.