How to Use Apple’s New Multi-Room Audio Feature via AirPlay 2

Apple recently released multi-room audio functionality on iOS, HomePod and Apple TV which is one jolly news for Apple fans. This latest upgrade by Apple allows you to play music on multiple devices in multiple rooms at the same time.

Like you can play a song on your iPhone and it can simultaneously be streamed in your living room or bedroom or kitchen wherever you want. Thanks to AirPlay2 for this added functionality as we can now jam up our party sessions.

Let’s see how to use multi-room audio feature on iOS devices via AirPlay 2. But, before that let’s explore how AirPlay 2 is better than AirPlay.

What’s the Difference Between AirPlay and AirPlay 2?

AirPlay 2 is the latest version of AirPlay which now supports multi room audio functionality on iOS devices. With AirPlay you could only stream music on a single device which was a huge limitation. But now with AirPlay 2, as long as all your devices are connected on the same WiFi network you can easily play music across your house on multiple devices or multiple rooms.

Which Devices are Compatible with AirPlay 2?

For AirPlay 2 to work smoothly you just have to take care about two things. One, just make sure that all your devices are connected to the same WiFi network and secondly, ensure that you have an AirPlay 2 compatible hardware. Here’s a list of all devices which are compatible with AirPlay 2:

• iPhone and iPad (Running on iOS 11.4 or later)
• Apple TV
• HomePod
• Any Third-party Bluetooth Speaker that is compatible with AirPlay 2. Here’s the complete list of Bluetooth speakers that are AirPlay 2 compatible and offer multi-room audio functionality. Everyday, new manufacturers are submitting their names to support AirPlay functionality.

How to Use AirPlay 2 on iPhone or iPad?

Now as we’re are through and aware about compatible devices, let’s see how we can use AirPlay 2 on iOS devices.

Pull up the control center on your iPhone or iPad and long press on Music Control.

Once the music control window expands, tap the AirPlay icon on the top right corner.

Now, choose the speaker output and select on which all devices you want to stream music.

Go ahead and select multiple devices, also adjust the volume levels for individual speakers (if required).

Here’s how you can play music across your home on multiple devices via your iPhone or iPad.

How to Use AirPlay 2 on HomePod?

With AirPlay 2 you can stereo pair more than one HomePod altogether and play music across the multiple speakers simultaneously. Suppose, you have two HomePods in a room then you can use both your HomePod speakers together and the sound will automatically split across both the devices.

To use multiple HomePod speakers altogether with AirPlay 2 follow these quick steps:

Launch the default Home app on your iPhone or iPad.

Now, long press on the connected HomePod speaker to open settings.

In the settings window, select “Create Stereo Pair”.

On the next screen you’ll see a bunch of speaker options, select the devices to pair.

Once the multiple HomePod speakers are paired, they’ll stream music together like a single speaker.

So folks, here was a quick guide on how to use multi-room audio feature on iOS devices via AirPlay 2. Guess now it’s time to jam up your house parties and stream music on multiple speakers in perfect sync!