Winamp is preparing another comeback, with the iconic music player set to launch a new premium streaming subscription powered by Deezer in the first half of 2027.

The new service will combine Deezer's streaming technology and licensed global music catalogue with a redesigned Winamp Player, bringing subscription music together with the local music libraries and customisation features that helped establish the brand during the MP3 era.

A New Winamp for the Streaming Era

Under the partnership, Deezer will provide the underlying streaming technology and music catalogue, while the subscription will operate under the Winamp brand and be integrated into its new player.

Winamp says the aim is to create a broader listening environment rather than simply launch another conventional streaming application.

The planned player will combine music streaming with users' local music files, internet radio stations, podcasts and personal cloud-based collections.

It will also include tools for discovering and organising music, alongside social features and a highly customisable interface.

The Classic Winamp Is Staying

The return does not mean the end of the familiar Winamp desktop player.

Winamp says the existing version will continue to operate alongside the new subscription service. The company says more than 40 million people worldwide still use the legacy player.

Following the launch of the new platform, the Deezer-powered subscription is also expected to become available through the classic desktop application.

That approach allows Winamp to retain its connection with users who still maintain personal digital music libraries while adding access to a large licensed streaming catalogue.

Deezer Provides the Technology

Deezer's role is focused on the infrastructure required to operate the streaming service.

The French company will provide its white-label streaming technology and global licensed music catalogue, allowing Winamp to offer a subscription without having to build its own streaming infrastructure and music-licensing operation from scratch.

Winamp will retain its own branding and consumer-facing product experience.

The partnership was announced in July, with both companies describing it as a strategic agreement intended to develop the next generation of the Winamp Player.

The Return of Customisable Music Players

One of the most recognisable elements of classic Winamp was its customisable interface, particularly its extensive collection of user-created skins.

The new player is expected to bring customisation back into the listening experience, although Winamp has not yet provided full details of how the new system will work.

The company has also positioned the product around the idea of bringing different forms of audio into one place, rather than separating streaming, locally stored music, radio and podcasts between different applications.

Pricing Has Not Been Announced

Despite the 2027 launch announcement, several important details remain unknown.

Winamp has not yet announced the monthly subscription price or confirmed which operating systems and devices will support the new player.

The company has also not provided a complete breakdown of the social, discovery and organisation features planned for launch.

More product information and previews are expected before the service arrives.

From MP3 Pioneer to Streaming Service

Winamp became one of the defining music players of the early digital-music era, particularly as listeners moved from physical CDs towards downloaded MP3 collections.

Its appeal was closely connected to the idea of owning and organising personal music files, as well as its highly customisable interface.

The new version is attempting to bring that philosophy into a streaming environment, where listeners increasingly combine subscription catalogues with personal libraries, podcasts, internet radio and other digital audio.

The challenge will be to make that combination useful enough to distinguish Winamp from established streaming platforms.

A 2027 Comeback

The planned launch represents another attempt to bring the Winamp brand into the modern music landscape.

This time, however, the company has a defined streaming partner in Deezer, providing the technology and licensed catalogue needed for the subscription service.

The new Winamp Player is scheduled to arrive during the first half of 2027, with further details expected to be announced ahead of launch.

For now, the most distinctive part of the plan is the combination of old and new: a Deezer-powered streaming catalogue alongside local music, radio, podcasts and the customisation associated with the Winamp name.