iOS 11.4: Simultaneous, Multi-Room Audio Playback Now Possible with AirPlay 2

iOS 11.4, the latest version of the mobile operating system, is now live and has finally brought the highly anticipated AirPlay 2 feature, which will allow people to simultaneously play the same audio in different rooms of the house through their Apple devices and speakers.

AirPlay 2 has been in the cards for some time, even during the release of earlier versions of iOS 11. However, Apple likely faced several technical difficulties that delayed the release of the feature. Luckily, previous issues have apparently been resolved and AirPlay 2 becomes live once iOS 11.4 has been successfully installed on compatible iPhones and iPads.

The latest added feature allows playing of the same digital audio content on an Apple mobile device, HomePod, or Apple TV even if these are placed in separate rooms in the house. AirPlay 2 also allows wireless playing of music. For example, if someone is on the ground level of their house but wants to play music in a bedroom upstairs, they can do so even before they reach the room above using their mobile devices or by simply asking Siri.

“While listening to music, it’s as easy as selecting or unselecting where the music is playing in Control Center, or users can ask Siri to play music in any room, a group of rooms, or everywhere in the home,” Apple said in a news release.

Apple also confirmed that the AirPlay 2 is automatically added on HomePod and can be used “without the need to manually group speakers.” People subscribed to Apple Music can also instruct Siri to stream their choice of music or podcast on which device or room they want it to be played.

Other than HomePod, the AirPlay 2 is also supported on speakers from Bang & Olufsen, Bluesound, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Libratone, Marantz, Marshall, Naim, Pioneer and Sonos.

The addition of AirPlay 2 on iOS devices and HomePod coincides with the announcement of the wireless speaker’s market launch in Canada, France, and Germany on June 18.