4 Major New Features Coming to iOS 11.4

iOS 11.3 is just a few weeks old, but Apple is already hard at work developing the next update for its mobile operating system: iOS 11.4. The software is currently in its beta testing phase.

While iOS 11.4 isn’t shaping up to be as large of a release as its predecessor, it’s still likely to pack some new and highly anticipated features (in addition to the usual suite of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements). Here’s what to expect from the new update.

4 AirPlay 2

First debuted at WWDC ’17, AirPlay 2 has been included in a handful of iOS 11 beta versions. But, thus far, it hasn’t made it to a final release. That could change this time around since AirPlay 2 functionality is back in the first iOS 11.4 beta.

The upgrade adds a couple of new features to the wireless streaming platform, including support for multi-room audio — basically, you’ll be able to connect your iPhone or iPad to multiple audios devices. You’ll also be able to control volume on those audio devices right from the Control Center.

3 Messages on iCloud

Messages on iCloud is another feature that’s been a staple of recent beta testing software. It was seemingly going to make its debut in iOS 11.3 but was pulled at the last minute. Again, it’s been reintroduced in the first iOS 11.4 beta, which could hint that it'll be included in the public rollout of the update.

Messages on iCloud is fairly self-explanatory as a feature. But the upside to users is just generally better iMessage syncing across their own Apple ecosystem. Message “lag” will likely be reduced between devices. And if you delete an iMessage on one device, it’ll be deleted on your other devices, as well.

2 HomePod Stereo Support

When HomePod launched, Apple promised that a future software update would add stereo support. It’s been a long time coming, but there’s evidence to suggest that the stereo feature will roll out alongside the final release of iOS 11.4.

If you’re unfamiliar, that stereo support will allow users to pair two HomePod speakers together. That means that HomePod’s already stunning audio quality will get a bump: users with two devices can achieve true stereo sound, with channel separation, by pairing two HomePod devices together.

1 ClassKit and Schoolwork

Announced at Apple’s Chicago education event, ClassKit and Schoolwork are two platforms aimed at teachers and students. The ClassKit framework specifically is already in the iOS 11.4 beta, and Apple says both systems will roll out in the public launch.

Schoolwork is a new app that lets teachers easily create and manage homework assignments and handouts, and view student progress on those features, directly from a central hub. ClassKit gives developers a toolset to create education-focused apps that can easily sync to Schoolwork.