Today, almost four months after HomePod’s release, HomePod users can access the new features through a now-available software update available through the Home app in iOS 11.4, which includes AirPlay 2, Apple’s wireless audio technology that enables HomePod pairing. HomePods can now sync with other HomePods or third-party, AirPlay 2-enabled speakers, and play music throughout your home. Bose, Sonos, Beats, Bowers & Wilkins, and Libratone are some of the companies that have announced AirPlay 2 compatibility for current and upcoming speakers.
Apple announced this just shy of a year ago. iOS 11.4 also includes Messages in iCloud, another iOS 11 feature announced at WWDC 2017. I would love to know more about what took these two features so long to ship.