Today Apple officially released the first beta versions of iOS 11.4, watchOS 4.3.1 and tvOS 11.4 to developers. Registered developers can download updates from the developer site Apple or using the Software Update mechanism in Settings.
The updates were released immediately after Apple released the final version iOS 11.3 and updates for other platforms.
In the first beta iOS 11.4 and tvOS 11.4 there was a stereo link for HomePod and a long-awaited function AirPlay 2, with which the link works. Previously, technology was added and removed from beta versions iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3.
Also, in iOS 11.4 beta 1, the Messages function was returned to iCloud.
Both beta iOS 11.4 and tvOS 11.4 beta support AirPlay 2. If you have Apple TV, you will notice that it will automatically appear in the Home app.
You probably already know, but AirPlay 2 adds the ability to play music simultaneously on multiple devices. The technology can link two speakers HomePod for a stereo effect.
Apple removed support for AirPlay 2 from beta iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3 in February without any explanation, but brought them back in subsequent releases. However, there was no technology in the final updates.
According to beta testers, there is support for two HomePod in iOS 11.4, but this cannot be tested until a system update is released for the column.
The same goes for Messages in iCloud, a feature debuted at WWDC 2017.
When you open Messages in iOS 11.4, a screen appears explaining the Messages function in iCloud. In addition, there is now a Messages section in Settings → iCloud.
Now all your messages can be stored in iCloud, and only recent messages will remain on the device. This will help improve system performance, save memory and speed up copying iCloud.
We hope that AirPlay 2 and Messages in iCloud will survive until the final versions of the updates.