Apple’s Reported Homeview Hub Could Ship In November
Apple is expected to unveil a Siri-controlled smart home display on Tuesday, with shipping reportedly planned for mid-November.
Apple is expected to introduce a smart home hub called HomeView at its “Welcome home” event on Tuesday, according to reports from TechCrunch and Engadget citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Engadget says the device is slated to begin shipping in mid-November. Apple is also expected to refresh the HomePod mini and Apple TV as it expands its lineup of home devices.
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A display built around Siri
The reported hub would give users a screen for controlling connected devices through Siri. TechCrunch says Gurman described it as an A18-powered product that would be sold in countertop and wall-mounted versions. According to Engadget, the name HomeView reflects a device meant to be operated primarily by voice, rather than used like a tablet.
Engadget reports that the countertop model would have a metal speaker base and come in space gray, silver, starlight and pink. The wall-mounted version would be offered in space gray and silver. Both versions would put a display at the center of Apple’s approach to managing a smart home, while giving buyers a choice between placing the hub on a surface or mounting it on a wall.
Accessories, apps and other devices
HomeView would not work like an iPad when it comes to software, according to Engadget. Gurman reported that it would support only a limited set of Apple apps and would not offer access to the App Store. Instead, the reported plan is for users to connect third-party accessories through Siri, Apple’s Home app or Apple devices.
Both outlets say Apple has been working with LG on smart home products, including doorbells and thermostats. TechCrunch also reports a planned smart lock, while Engadget mentions outdoor security cameras and other products. Engadget says Gurman also reported work with Schneider Electric SE on devices for the European market, with the third-party products to be offered under the “Apple Home Collection” name.
The hub is expected to arrive alongside updates to two existing products. TechCrunch reports that Apple plans to unveil a new HomePod mini and Apple TV on Tuesday. Engadget adds that Gurman expects an S10 chip in the HomePod mini and an A19 chip in the Apple TV. Those two products are expected to reach stores on October 30, ahead of HomeView’s reported mid-November release. Engadget says the LG products would follow later this year at the earliest.
A bigger smart home push
TechCrunch characterizes HomeView as Apple’s most substantial smart home effort yet, after what it describes as limited traction for HomeKit and the HomePod. For now, the name, features and shipping schedule remain reported plans: the anticipated Tuesday announcement would provide the first opportunity for Apple to confirm them.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.