Apple today announced the release of iOS 11.4. It includes stereo pairing support for AirPlay 2 and the HomePod smart speaker.
“This free software update introduces the most advanced, easy to use, wireless multi-room audio system using AirPlay 2 to play music in any room from any room, move music from one room to another or play the same song everywhere using an iOS device, HomePod, Apple TV or by asking Siri,” the Apple announcement notes. “HomePod is available in the US, UK, and Australia and arrives in Canada, France and Germany starting June 18.”
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Beyond support for stereo pairing, Apple is mum on other new features in iOS 11.4, and it points users to the “Tips” app in the system to learn more. I took a look, but the app really just discusses iOS 11 features from what I can see.
Anyway, as it turns out, there is a much more important feature in iOS 11.4 than AirPlay 2 stereo pairing. It also supports Messages in iCloud. Why Apple is not highlighting this is unclear, but this feature was announced at WWDC a year ago and syncs messages across a user’s devices.
Apple also updated tvOS and watchOS today.
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#279258"><em>In reply to Saarek:</em></a></blockquote><p>And yet it is "the" best messaging platform right now.</p>
Stooks
<p>We got a HomePod at the beginning of this month. The sound is simply amazing for the size. Blew away our Bose Sound Link BT. Kills the full size echo that we have in a closet. A week after getting it, we are planing a second one. I was waiting for this update and also to see of the rumor of possible other models will be announced next week at WWDC.</p><p><br></p><p>This update also adds "USB Restricted mode" which turn off the lightning port after 7 days so that it only works to charge the device until a valid password un-locks it. Apple putting privacy first more often than others.</p>