iOS 11.4 Features: Everything you need to know about the new update

Apple has announced that the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 11.4, will be releasing today, which means you’ll soon be able to stream from your device using the new AirPlay 2 streaming technology. 

AirPlay 2, as the name implies, is a sizeable update to the existing streaming technology. The big improvement here is that AirPlay will now be able to handle streaming to multiple speakers, and will function much more like a multi-room system, similar to that of Sonos.

At the moment, the biggest beneficiaries of AirPlay 2 will be HomePod owners. With the iOS 11.4 update installed, you’ll be able to pair together two of the speakers to deliver a much wider soundstage.

However, as more AirPlay 2 devices enter the market you’ll be able to integrate them into your multi-room setup. You’ll then be able to sync music across multiple speakers, pair speakers together in stereo, or else control different music across different rooms from a single iOS device.

The other big feature that’s set to arrive in iOS 11.4 is Messages on iCloud, which will allow you to sync your sent messages across different iOS devices − handy if you don’t want to lose your conversation history when you move to a new phone.

iOS 11.4 download

Not everyone will get access to the new update at the same time, as Apple is expected to roll them out gradually starting from 10am PT (6pm UK time).

However, you can check if the update is available for you by heading into the Settings menu, tapping General and then selecting Software Update. If the 11.4 update is available then it will show up here, otherwise you’ll see a message saying that your device is already up to date.

It can take a couple of hours for updates to become available, so be patient.

Have you tried out iOS 11.4 through one of the betas? What did you think of it? Get in touch with us @TrustedReviews.