The 5 most exciting new features in Apple’s iOS 11.4 update
Multiroom music playback, HomePod upgrades, and iCloud Messages lead the list
The 5 most important new features in Apple’s iOS 11.4
Apple has just released iOS 11.4 into the world – and despite coming just two months after 11.3, it includes some pretty substantial upgrades. That’s especially true if you own a HomePod, as Apple has patched up the home speaker’s feature set with a couple of much-needed enhancements. But the new AirPlay 2 feature benefits iPhone and iPad users as well, while iCloud Messages could help with multi-device conversations. It’s rolling out now, so if you’re wondering whether it’s worth updating now or later, here’s a look at the biggest features included with iOS 11.4.
1) AirPlay 2 offers multi-room playback
Apple’s AirPlay lets you fling video from an iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV, or wirelessly send audio to a compatible speaker – but AirPlay 2 is something new, and it’s a lot more powerful than the old version. AirPlay 2 enables multi-room playback, letting you pump music and audio to speakers in various spots in your flat and have them be synced up. From the Control Center on your iOS device, you’ll be able to see a full list of compatible speakers and pick and choose which should be playing the tunes.
2) AirPlay 2 adds other features too
AirPlay 2 also lets you control compatible speakers using your voice with Siri, which you can do via an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or HomePod. Also, if you’ve used AirPlay in the past, you might be used to having incoming phone calls interrupt your music, or have to choose between background tunes or playing a game. No more: AirPlay 2 will continue pumping out audio to your speakers even when you get a call or are playing a game on your phone. Now that’s the kind of multitasking we like.
3) You can use a stereo pair of HomePods
Considering how good one HomePod sounds, just imagine what it’d be like if you could pair two together. Well imagine no more, because iOS 11.4 allows you to do exactly that. Put two HomePod units in one room and they can each sense where the other is, automatically adjusting their sound to create a single, powerful soundstage. They’re able to separate the left and right audio channels, and Apple says they’ll deliver better bass for more accurate low-end frequencies. Thankfully, they’ll also communicate with each other – so when you ask Siri something, only one HomePod will take the request.
4) Sync your messages to the cloud
If you’re someone who carries on conversations across multiple devices (be it iPhone, iPad, or Mac), then iCloud support means that your messages will always be synced up no matter which device you use at any given time. It’ll also sync deleted messages and threads so that you only have to remove something once to affect all devices. Furthermore, iCloud will store photos, attachments, and older messages to save local storage space, even if that means using more of your precious iCloud haul. That’s your call to make, obviously.
5) Access Calendar via HomePod
While the HomePod certainly sounds impressive its implementation of Siri’s skills just isn’t as capable as Alexa or Google’s Assistant. With iOS 11.4, the HomePod adds Calendar support, letting you schedule and cancel appointments, as well as keep updated on what’s happening in your day. This is a relatively small addition on its own, but every little bit counts as Apple tries to make the HomePod as compelling in everyday usage as the Amazon Echo and Google Home.
