Apple has unveiled its latest entry into the smart home market with the launch of the HomeView, a 7-inch liquid retina display device integrated with a domed speaker base powered by the company’s A18 chip. The announcement, made by Apple’s new chief executive John Ternus, marks the second product launch by the company in recent months as it aims to expand its presence in the global smart home sector, currently valued at around $1.35 trillion.
Designed to compete directly with Amazon’s Echo Show series and Google’s Nest devices, the HomeView features a redesigned Siri voice assistant enhanced with new artificial intelligence capabilities. The device can recognize up to six individual family members, offering a personalized user interface that adjusts screen layouts, apps, and widgets accordingly, while keeping each user’s information private.
Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak emphasized the device’s ability to transition from a shared household screen to distinct personal experiences. He highlighted the HomeView’s functionality that includes streaming music, making FaceTime calls, and automating compatible smart home appliances through hands-free control. According to Joswiak, the device leverages Apple Intelligence, which draws on a user’s personal data such as calendar entries and messages from their iPhone to deliver tailored, context-aware assistance.
Notably, the HomeView will not be available in the European Union at launch due to ongoing regulatory discussions. Apple has withheld the launch of Siri AI in Europe amid disputes with Brussels over the Digital Markets Act, which requires companies like Apple to share certain user data, including Wi-Fi connection history, with competitors to enhance interoperability. Apple has expressed concerns regarding privacy and security implications tied to this mandate.
In addition to the HomeView, Apple introduced the Apple Home Collection, a new line of smart home accessories that includes indoor and outdoor cameras, thermostats, temperature sensors, a video doorbell, and a door lock—the latter two developed in collaboration with LG Electronics Inc. These forthcoming products reflect a broader trend among technology companies such as Samsung, LG, Hisense, and Dyson, which are increasingly focusing on ambient AI providing intuitive, voice- or gesture-based interaction without reliance on smartphones.
The HomeView will be available for pre-order immediately and is expected to ship on November 13. The device will retail at $449, positioned $50 below Amazon’s Echo Show 11 model, and will come in four color options: silver, starlight, rose pink, and space grey.