iOS 11.4 Update Released, Download Now for iPhone and iPad

May 29, 2018 - 12 Comments

iOS 11.4 Software updates

Apple has released iOS 11.4 for iPhone and iPad. The latest iOS software update focuses primarily on the inclusion of AirPlay 2 support, some HomePod updates, and the addition of Messages in iCloud support, though there are a handful of other features and bug fixes as well.

The full release notes are included below, along with a quick tutorial on how to update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 11.4, along with iOS 11.4 IPSW download links for more advanced users.

Separately, Apple also released tvOS 11.4 for Apple TV and watchOS 4.3.1 for Apple Tv. Additionally, macOS High Sierra 10.13.5 has been released along with Security Updates for Mac users.

How to Download & Update iOS 11.4

Always backup an iPhone or iPad to iCloud or iTunes, or both, before installing any iOS software update.

  1. Open the “Settings” app of the iPhone or iPad
  2. Settings icon

  3. Go to “General” and then to “Software Update”
  4. When iOS 11.4 becomes visible, choose “Download & Install”
  5. iOS 11.4 update download and install

The update will download and install, the device will reboot itself to complete the process.

Users can also choose to install iOS 11.4 on their iPhone or iPad by using iTunes when they connect a device to their computer by USB. Another option is to use IPSW firmware files.

iOS 11.4 IPSW Direct Download Links

Using IPSW files to update iOS is considered advanced but it’s not particularly difficult, it does require iTunes and a computer, along with a USB cable, however. The links below to firmware files point to Apple servers:

Most users are better off installing iOS 11.4 through Software Update or iTunes.

iOS 11.4 Release Notes

Release notes accompanying the iOS 11.4 download include the following:

iOS 11.4 includes AirPlay 2 multi-room audio, support for HomePod stereo pairs, and Messages in iCloud. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.

AirPlay 2
Control your home audio system and AirPlay 2-enabled speakers throughout your house

Play music at the same time on multiple AirPlay 2-enabled speakers in your house, all in sync

Control AirPlay 2-enabled speakers from Control Center, the Lock screen, or AirPlay controls within apps on your iPhone or iPad

Use your voice to control AirPlay 2-enabled speakers with Siri from your iPhone or iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV

Take a call or play a game on your iPhone or iPad without interrupting playback on your AirPlay 2-enabled speakers

HomePod stereo pair

This update supports setting up your HomePod stereo pair using your iPhone or iPad

HomePod pair automatically senses its location in the room and balances the sound based on the speakers’ locations

Advanced beamforming provides wider soundstage than traditional stereo pair

HomePod will automatically update to support stereo pairs, unless auto updates are disabled in the Home app

Messages in iCloud

Store your messages, photos, and other attachments in iCloud and free up space on your devices

All your messages appear when you sign into a new device with the same iMessage account

When you delete messages and conversations they are instantly removed from all your devices

To turn on Messages in iCloud, enable Messages in iCloud settings (Settings > [your name] > iCloud)
Your conversations continue to be end-to-end encrypted

Other improvements and fixes

Enables teachers to assign their students reading activities in iBooks using the Schoolwork app

Fixes an issue where certain character sequences could cause Messages to crash

Addresses a Messages issue that could cause some messages to appear out of order

Addresses an issue that could prevent logging in or accessing files on Google Drive, Google Docs and Gmail in Safari

Fixes an issue that could prevent data syncing in Health

Fixes an issue that could prevent users from changing what apps can access Health data

Resolves an issue that could cause an app to appear in an incorrect location on the Home screen

Fixes an issue where CarPlay audio could become distorted

Fixes an issue where selecting music from your iPhone could fail when playing music over Bluetooth or when connected to USB on some vehicles

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Separately, Apple also released tvOS 11.4 for Apple TV and watchOS 4.3.1 for Apple TV, which can be installed through their respective Settings apps.

MacOS High Sierra 10.13.5 is also available for Mac users, along with Security Update 2018-03 for Mac users running prior builds of MacOS system software.

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Posted by: Paul Horowitz in iPad, iPhone, News

12 Comments

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  1. keniiamane says:

    Downloading the IPSW file worked for me and the instructions were easy to understand. Thank you!

  2. Easytodo says:

    Apparently unclear on the concept.

  3. Fox4 says:

    Why am I required to enable Two-Factor Authentication for Messages in iCloud? With 8 apple devices, it is a royal pain.
    Should be a choice vice requirement.

  4. iMac Convert says:

    What I would like to know, is why the amount of data an update is “Never” shown on here.
    On the update it states 318.7MB.
    Take the download from this page and its 2.92GB.

    Any explanation to help me would be grate, cheers!
    Its a big deal for us not on unlimited consumption.

  5. Sadam Hussein Obama says:

    Barack Obama was a traitor and a muslim cult supporter.

  6. Johnny Bravo says:

    Remember folks, every time you update an iPhone or iPad, you help to save a baby octopus.

  7. BSB says:

    Not one of these “improvements” is of value to me, with the possible exception of the issue that may prevent logging in the Gmail on Safari. What’s the downside of not installing this large pile of unessential software?

    • no way says:

      If you were Apples only customer, I’m sure they would do more to please you, but your not. Go wash with Summers Eve and you’ll feel better.

    • arni says:

      You can still get flip phones if that’s all you need. You can even get them with cameras if you want.

  8. yyz says:

    What happens with iMessage in iCloud not all my devices have this feature?

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