Apple launches HomeView smart display amid strong competition from Amazon and Google
Apple's new HomeView smart display, priced at $299, offers a 7-inch screen, Siri integration and Apple ecosystem benefits, but reviewers note its small size and limited third-party app support compared with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub devices.
Apple introduced its first smart home display, the HomeView, on Tuesday with a market launch set for Nov. 13. The 7-inch device features a Liquid Retina screen, built-in speakers and Siri AI for controlling compatible smart-home products.
CNET smart-home editor Ajay Kumar, who tested the HomeView at a press briefing, said the screen is noticeably smaller than competing models such as the Echo Show 11 and the 10-inch Nest Hub Max, limiting its usefulness for video calls and media playback. The device can be purchased as a tabletop unit or a wall-mounted version, though the latter requires professional installation and adds $60 to the cost.
Kumar noted that Apple’s tightly integrated Home app and Siri AI simplify pairing with compatible accessories, likening the experience to setting up new AirPods. However, he pointed out that third-party app support is limited; Apple only confirmed compatibility with “compatible third-party audio and video apps from your iPhone” without specifying services. In contrast, Amazon’s Alexa Plus on Echo Show devices offers broader integration with food-delivery, ride-hailing and ticketing services.
Audio performance was described as “significantly more impressive than I expected,” though not on par with Apple’s larger HomePod speakers. The HomeView supports Apple Music and, according to past HomePod support, services such as Deezer and Pandora, but lacks the extensive streaming options available on Echo Show and Nest Hub devices.
Pricing places the HomeView at $299, comparable to the Echo Show 11’s $250 starting price but higher than the Nest Hub Max’s $230-$250 range. Reviewers suggest that users who already own an iPad might consider using it as an alternative smart-display solution, despite the higher cost of iPad models.
Overall, the HomeView offers a premium design and seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem, while its small screen and restricted third-party compatibility may make competing smart displays more attractive for users seeking broader functionality.