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At the end of March, Apple officially introduced iOS 11.3 with additional new features including Battery Health, New Animojis, Business Chat, Health Records, and ARKit upgrades. Following that, developers began testing iOS 11.4. In total, the tech giant released 6 beta versions of iOS 11.4 before the official release. So what's new with iOS 11.4?
Exploring the Innovations of iOS 11.4
In the iOS 11.4 update, Apple introduces 2 features initially announced at last year's WWDC, AirPlay 2 and Messages in iCloud, along with several other features and bug fixes.
Understanding AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 made appearances in iOS 11.3 betas, but Apple eventually removed this feature from the official release. Finally, the tech giant has decided to include AirPlay 2 in iOS 11.4.
With AirPlay 2, users can enjoy multi-room audio on iOS devices, making it easier to control speakers through the Control Center, Home app, or Siri. Previously, this was only available through iTunes for macOS and Windows.
Additionally, in the iOS 11.4 update, users can pair multiple HomePod speakers and support stereo audio playback.
Exploring Messages in iCloud
The Messages in iCloud feature was previously introduced and then removed in iOS 11 betas. This feature allows users to store messages on iCloud, synchronize conversations and messages across devices, including iOS, macOS, and watchOS. When a message is deleted on one device, it's also deleted from other devices.
Understanding Schoolwork and ClassKit
Furthermore, on iOS 11.4, Apple also introduces and adds more educational apps such as Schoolwork and ClassKit. These educational apps were first announced at Apple's event held on March 27 in Chicago.
ClassKit allows app developers to integrate additional features that educational organizations using Apple's educational tools like Apple School Manager and Managed Apple ID can utilize. Teachers and students can easily track assignments and progress within the Schoolwork app.
Exploring Other Features on iOS 11.4
The iOS 11.4 update also includes some other features, including:
- (PRODUCT) RED wallpapers for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
- HomePod supports calendars.
To deploy the latest update via OTA on iOS devices, navigate to the Settings app => General => Software Update, then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.
Full Release Notes for iOS 11.4
iOS 11.4 includes support for AirPlay 2 multi-room audio, stereo pairing support for HomePod, and Messages in iCloud. The update also brings some other enhancements and bug fixes.
AirPlay 2
- Control home audio system and enable AirPlay 2 to control audio across all rooms in the house.
- Play the same song on multiple AirPlay 2-enabled speakers, all synchronized.
- Control AirPlay 2-enabled speakers from the Control Center, Lock Screen, or AirPlay controls within apps on iPhone or iPad.
- Use voice commands to control AirPlay 2-enabled speakers with Siri virtual assistant on iPhone or iPad, HomePod, Apple TV.
- Make calls or play games on iPhone, iPad without interrupting music playback on AirPlay 2-enabled speakers.
Stereo Pairing on HomePod
- This update supports stereo pairing of HomePods via iPhone or iPad.
- HomePods automatically detect their placement in the room and balance the sound accordingly.
- Provides wider soundstage compared to traditional stereo pairs.
- HomePods will automatically update to support stereo pairs unless auto-update is disabled in the Home app.
Messages in iCloud
- Store messages, photos, and other attachments on iCloud and free up storage space on user devices.
- All messages will appear on new devices when signed in with the same iMessage account.
- When deleting messages and conversations, they will be immediately removed from other devices.
- To activate Messages in iCloud, go to Settings => [username] => iCloud.
- Conversations will be end-to-end encrypted.
Various Enhancements and Bug Fixes
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- Allows teachers and students to easily track assignments in iBooks through the Schoolwork app.
- Resolves the specific character string issue that may cause the Messages app to hang.
- Fixes an issue where Messages may incorrectly order some out-of-order messages.
- Addresses issues preventing login or access to files on Google Drive, Google Docs, and Gmail in the Safari browser.
- Fixes issues that may prevent data synchronization in the Health app.
- Fixes issues that may prevent users from changing apps that can access health data.
- Resolves issues that may cause apps to appear incorrectly positioned on the Home Screen.
- Fixes CarPlay audio distortion issues.
- Fixes issues when selecting music from iPhone fails when playing music via Bluetooth or when connected via USB in some vehicles.
