Apple unveiled HomeView on October 13, 2026, a $299 smart home display built around its new Siri AI assistant. Pre-orders opened the same day and devices ship on November 13. It is Apple's direct answer to Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub, TechCrunch notes, and it will not be sold in the European Union.
What HomeView is
HomeView is a small screen for the kitchen, living room or hallway. It plays music and video, makes FaceTime calls and controls smart home gear such as lights, locks and thermostats.
Apple's product page lists the main hardware:
| Part | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch square Liquid Retina, 6.98 inches diagonal, True Tone |
| Brightness | 0.3 nits at the bedside to 500 nits in sunny rooms |
| Chip | A18 |
| Camera | 12MP Center Stage, for FaceTime |
| Microphones | Four beamforming microphones |
| Audio | Two full-range drivers, a down-firing woofer and two passive radiators |
A nit is a measure of screen brightness. Center Stage keeps a person in frame as they move during a video call.
Two versions, one price
Both versions cost $299, according to 9to5Mac. The tabletop model sits on a domed speaker base with a stainless steel hinge for tilting. It comes in silver, starlight, rose pink and space gray, with a USB-C cable and power adapter in the box.
The wall-mounted model comes in silver and space gray. Its mount is sold separately through Schneider Home:
| Mount | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector | From $59.95 | Order now |
| Power Mount AC Wired | From $79.95 | Order now |
| Power Mount PoE Wired | $129.95 | Early 2027 |
Image: Apple
Siri AI and the six-person household
HomeView recognizes up to six people by face and voice, and gives each one a personal Home Screen. Apple says that recognition runs in a protected area of the A18 chip, called Secure Exclaves, and is not exposed to the operating system or to Apple.
Siri AI launches in English and in beta, in HomeView software version 27.2. Apple's page says usage limits may apply. It also says expanded access "will be available for a fee in the future." Siri can only reach a user's personal context, such as Messages and Calendar, when an Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad is paired.
MacRumors lists other features. They include recipe conversion, Intercom and a Home Camera view with up to nine live feeds at once.
TechCrunch lists the built-in apps: Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts. Apple's page adds compatible third-party audio and video apps from the iPhone.
Not for sale in the EU
"Apple HomeView is not available for sale in the European Union," Apple's newsroom states. The reason is that Siri AI is not yet available in iOS there. 9to5Mac reports that Apple says it is working with the EU on a path forward.
The rest of the home lineup
Apple also announced the Apple Home Collection, accessories built with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. They arrive in December, with some following in early 2027. Prices include $249.95 for the LG Video Doorbell Wired, $349.95 for the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock and $199.95 for the Schneider Home Smart Thermostat.
Camera video history is kept for 10 days in iCloud+. The 50GB plan covers one camera, 200GB covers up to five and 2TB has no limit.
MacRumors also reports a HomePod mini 2 at $149 and a new Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip, both announced the same day.
What this means for developers
- Check your HomeKit and Matter support. HomeView controls accessories through Apple Home, which works with HomeKit and Matter devices. Apple says thousands of Works with Apple Home and Matter accessories are available today. Smart home makers should confirm their products appear there.
- Do not expect an app platform yet. Apple's page describes built-in apps and compatible audio and video apps from the iPhone. Developers of other app types have no stated path onto HomeView.
- Plan for Siri AI limits. It launches in beta, in English only, with possible usage limits and a future fee for expanded access. Features that depend on it should degrade gracefully.
- Budget for EU gaps. Products that rely on HomeView cannot reach European customers until Apple and the EU agree on Siri AI.
- Mind camera storage costs. Households with more than five Home Collection cameras need the 2TB iCloud+ plan for full video history.
This article was first published on Tech AI Wire.
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Sources
- Apple HomeView - Apple - Apple
- Apple unveils new HomeView smart display: pre-order today for $299 - 9to5Mac
- Apple Announces 'HomeView' Smart Home Hub - MacRumors
- Apple makes another push into the smart home market with HomeView - TechCrunch
- Introducing Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories - Apple Newsroom
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