Key points
- The HomeView will be announced on October 13 and ship in mid-November.
- It features an A18 chip, a floating display design, and voice or touch input.
- Two models are planned: a countertop speaker base and a wall-mount unit.
The short version
- Apple will unveil the HomeView smart home hub on October 13.
- The device is expected to begin shipping to customers in mid-November.
- It will run on an A18 chip and lack a dedicated App Store.
The details
Apple is preparing to introduce a new smart home hub called the HomeView, according to a report by 9to5Mac citing Bloomberg. The device will be unveiled during an event on October 13. While the announcement comes in October, shipments are not expected to begin until mid-November. This timeline places the launch roughly a month after the initial reveal. The HomeView will sit alongside Apple’s existing HomePod brand for smart speakers.
The hardware design draws comparison to the iMac G4, featuring a floating display atop a speaker base. The device will be powered by an A18 processor. Users will interact with the system primarily through voice commands using Siri, though the screen also supports touch input. The interface is designed for viewing content from across a room. MacRumors noted that the name "HomeView" first appeared in a trademark filing by a shell company.
Two distinct models are planned for release. The countertop version will include a metal speaker base and come in four colors: space gray, silver, starlight, and pink. A wall-mountable option will feature a square base and will be limited to monochrome silver or space gray finishes. According to MacRumors, the HomeView is expected to offer better sound quality than the updated HomePod mini.
The context
The HomeView is positioned as the Siri command center for an Apple-powered home. It will run a limited selection of Apple applications rather than hosting a full App Store. Users may be able to project third-party app widgets from a nearby iPhone onto the device. This approach limits direct installation of external software on the hub itself.
Apple is also refreshing other hardware alongside this launch. New versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are scheduled to arrive on October 30. Additionally, Apple has partnered with appliance makers like LG to create compatible smart home accessories. These include smart thermostats, door locks, and doorbells designed to work together within the ecosystem.
What to watch
Look for the official October 13 event for final specifications and pricing. Monitor the mid-November shipping window for actual availability. Watch for details on how third-party app widgets will function on the device. Check for updates on the compatibility of LG and other partner smart home accessories.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Verify the official launch date and pricing during the October 13 event before purchasing.
- Check the compatibility of your existing smart home devices with the new HomeView system.
- Review the limited app selection to ensure your essential tools are available without an App Store.
- Wait for the mid-November shipment to confirm hardware stability before upgrading your home setup.
Step-by-step guide: Secure Home Routers for Small Business Networks
General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Apple HomeView be available for purchase?
The HomeView is expected to ship to customers in mid-November, following its October 13 announcement.
Does the HomeView have an App Store for third-party apps?
No, the device will not have a dedicated App Store, though users may project widgets from nearby iPhones.
What colors and models are available for the HomeView?
A countertop model comes in space gray, silver, starlight, and pink; a wall-mount model comes in silver or space gray.
