Airplay 2 will (probably) be included in iOS/tvOS 11.4

The new wireless audio protocol is currently functional in the beta version of tvOS 11.4 that will be released in several weeks. However, Airplay 2 also made a brief appearance in a beta version of 11.3 before it was ultimately pulled.

Airplay 2 in tvOS 11.4?
Users and partners have been waiting eagerly for Airplay 2 that has seemingly been delayed several times. The audio protocol that will enable multiroom, HomePod stereo pairing, integration with HomeKit, and other new features, was announced last summer at Apple’s annual developers conference.

Airplay 2 made a brief appearance in one of the 11.3 betas but was very buggy and was ultimately removed before the public release of iOS and tvOS 11.3. It is now once again included in version 11.4 of iOS for iPhone/iPad and tvOS for Apple TV – and is significantly less buggy.



Airplay 2 supports both video and audio. Besides Apple’s HomePod, manufacturers such as Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Sonos, Denon, Marantz, B&W, Libratone, Polk, and Bluesound have committed to the project. Some products will be firmware updated. Airplay 2 will enable you to mix and match speakers from different brands at home.

Unless Apple decides to remove Airplay 2 again, it will be included with the release of iOS / tvOS 11.4. It appears that no other major features will be introduced with tvOS 11.4. Major new features are expected to be found in tvOS 12 that will be unveiled in June.

So when can we get our hands on iOS and tvOS 11.4? The first beta version was released earlier this week (you can install the public beta) so we will probably have to wait until May or even June for the official release.