What's new in iOS 11.4?

iOS 11.4 is now available on all eligible devices via OTA through the Settings app. To access the update section, open the Settings app => General => Software Update. Eligible devices include iPhone 5s and newer, iPad mini 2 and newer, iPad Air and newer, and 6th generation iPod touch.

What are the new features in iOS 11.4?

The iOS 11.4 update focuses primarily on addressing audio-related issues and introduces new multi-room audio support across all AirPlay 2-enabled devices.

Currently, AirPlay 2 compatible devices include Apple TV and HomePod. In the future, AirPlay 2 will be available for third-party speakers, including those from manufacturers like Bang & Olufsen, Bluesound, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Libratone, Marantz, Marshall, Naim, Pioneer, and Sonos.

With AirPlay 2, users can play the same song across multiple speakers within a room or throughout the house, or they can stream music from one room to another using iOS devices, HomePod, Apple TV, or Siri voice commands. AirPlay 2-enabled devices are displayed in the Apple Home app as AirPlay 2 is integrated with HomeKit.

By using AirPlay 2, users can control the playback location via the Control Center or within apps on iOS devices, or request Siri to play music in any room (or multiple rooms) on AirPlay 2-enabled devices.

The HomePod also receives stereo pairing support, designed to enable two HomePod speakers to function simultaneously.

Additionally, the iOS 11.4 update also introduces Messages in iCloud, a feature first introduced in iOS 11, released back in June last year. Messages in iCloud is designed to allow users to store messages on iCloud instead of just on their personal device, thus improving synchronization capabilities.

At present, iMessage conversations are not synchronized across devices logged into the same Apple ID. The Messages in iCloud feature will enable users to download and update all iMessage conversations across multiple devices. And when a message is deleted on one device, it will be deleted from all other synchronized devices via the iCloud account.

Old messages and attachments are also stored on iCloud instead of being stored on the device, which will significantly help users save storage space on all their Mac, iPhone, and iPad devices.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now feature new (PRODUCT) RED wallpapers, but they are not available on the iPhone X. Additionally, in iOS 11.4 beta updates, Apple also introduced the USB Restricted Mode, which is now available in the official iOS 11.4 update.

With the new USB Restricted Mode, USB data transfer through the Lightning port will be disabled after one week from the last device unlock, a feature quite useful in preventing the use of devices like GrayKey to unlock iPhones and iPads.

In addition to the aforementioned features, iOS 11.4 also includes several bug fixes. Below is the full release note for iOS 11.4:

iOS 11.4 includes AirPlay 2 multi-room audio support, stereo pairing support for HomePod, and Messages in iCloud. Furthermore, this update also includes various other improvements and bug fixes.

AirPlay 2

- Manage 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 Control Center, Lock Screen, or AirPlay controls in apps on iPhone or iPad.
- Use voice 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 on HomePod using iPhone or iPad.
- HomePods automatically pair and sense their position in the room, balancing sound based on speaker location.
- Provides wider soundstage compared to traditional stereo pairs.
- HomePods will automatically update to support stereo pairs unless automatic updates are 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 logged in with the same iMessage account.
- When deleting messages and conversations, they will be instantly removed from other devices.
- To activate Messages in iCloud, access Settings => [username] =>iCloud.
- Conversations will be end-to-end encrypted.

Other Improvements and Fixes

- Enables teachers and students to easily track assignments in iBooks using the Schoolwork app.
- Fixes a specific character string issue that may cause the Messages app to hang.
- Resolves the issue where Messages may cause some out-of-order messages.
- Fixes the issue preventing login or access to files on Google Drive, Google Docs, and Gmail in Safari browser.
- Resolves the issue that may prevent data synchronization in the Health app.
- Fixes the issue that may prevent users from changing apps that can access health data.
- Resolves the issue that may cause apps to appear in incorrect positions on the Home Screen.
- Fixes the CarPlay audio distortion issue.
- Resolves the issue where selecting music from iPhone fails when playing music via Bluetooth or when connected via USB in some vehicles.

iOS 11.4 could be one of the last updates for Apple's iOS 11 operating system, with the next likely update being iOS 12. Apple is set to unveil iOS 12 at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

Through the article 'What's new in iOS 11.4?', you'll get to grasp the fundamental features that this operating system brings. If you prefer not to have your device display update notifications, you can follow the guide on how to block iOS updates via 3uTools.