How to Get IOS 11.4 and Unlock New Messaging and HomePod Features
Apple has finally released the long-awaited iOS 11.4 publicly available version, which brings several big improvements to the mobile operating system, including: messages that (finally) sync across devices via iCloud, stereo pairs for its large HomePod speakers, AirPlay 2, and a host of new calendar features for Siri.
If you have automatic updates set up, you may already have iOS 11.4 installed. You can find out by clicking the Settings button on your iPhone or iPad and selecting General and then Software Update. If an update is available for your device, you will see it on the next page, along with a Download and Install button.
If you have a HomePod speaker, you can check for updates by opening the Home app – and it’s simple. And you’ll want to make sure your multiple HomePods have the latest update before trying some of the audio-themed features in iOS 11.4. Here’s a snippet of what you’ll find in the Apple update:
ICloud Messages
The iCloud message, announced at WWDC last year, syncs your iMessages across devices. When you buy a new device, your iMessages are automatically downloaded just like they were on your old one. More importantly, when you delete a message on your iPhone, it should appear as deleted on your other devices as well. Since messages are saved in the cloud, they will no longer fill your phone’s tiny hard drive. Problem? They’re sure to fill your meager free iCloud storage, giving you another reason to pay more Apple taxes .
AirPlay2
With AirPlay 2, you now have multi-room and stereo pairing for your HomePod and Apple TV – like many other popular (and large) smart speakers you can buy. You can only use AirPlay 2 with Apple TV and HomePod right now, but more AirPlay 2 compatible equipment is on the way, including some options from Sonos, Band & Olufsen, and Bose.
Now you can play the same tunes on your TV and all other connected (AirPlay 2) speakers in your home, giving you a much more immersive audio experience. And if you’re creative enough to own two HomePods, you can actually use both of them at the same time – and they’ll use Apple’s quirky algorithms to split the output and give you a truer stereo experience. In other words, you won’t just play an identical song at the same volume from two speakers instead of one.
Siri Calendar Requests
HomePod owners can now ask Siri when they have something on their schedule, as long as your paired iPhone matches your schedule. You can also ask Siri to add a new appointment or other event to your calendar via HomePod. However, for this feature to work, your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the HomePod. This shouldn’t be a problem in most cases, but it’s worth checking to see if your digital assistant is having trouble managing your schedule.