Apple launches $299 HomeView smart display with Siri AI and HomeKit integration
Apple's new HomeView smart display, priced at $299, offers a 7-inch Liquid Retina screen, Siri-driven AI features, and HomeKit support, but requires an iPhone or iPad to mirror apps and access personal data.
Apple introduced its first smart display, the HomeView, this week at a price of $299. The device combines a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen with Apple’s A18 chip and expanded Siri capabilities, positioning it as a hub for iOS users’ smart-home and AI needs.
Unlike competing displays from Amazon and Google, HomeView relies on a companion iPhone or iPad to mirror apps, meaning its functionality is tied to Apple’s core services such as Messages, Calendar, Photos and Reminders. Users must also have compatible HomeKit or Matter devices to take full advantage of the smart-home features.
The tabletop version includes a cylindrical base with a down-firing woofer and passive radiators, while a wall-mounted model is sold separately and requires an optional mount. Both models feature a 1,088 × 1,088 pixel display with an ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness from 500 nits in daylight to 0.3 nits at night. The only external connection is a USB-C power port.
Siri on HomeView can access personal data from supported apps when users enable Apple Intelligence, allowing the assistant to retrieve calendar events, messages and contextual information. Apple says Secure Enclaves process voice and camera data on-device, preventing external access. The device also supports FaceTime calls via a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera and can hand off calls from an iPhone.
HomeKit integration provides a customizable Home dashboard, modular widgets for controlling lights, thermostats and cameras, and a Home Camera face that can stream up to nine feeds simultaneously. With iCloud+ subscriptions, HomeView can send alerts for recognized people, pets, packages or sound-based events such as smoke alarms.
Audio performance sits between the HomePod mini and the larger HomePod, with spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support for compatible content. However, the display’s video capabilities are limited to the Apple TV app, and third-party video apps are unavailable unless developers adapt them for CarPlay.
The device also offers recipe integration via Safari, allowing users to view step-by-step cooking instructions and add ingredients to Reminders lists. Formatting depends on the source website, which can affect the user experience.
Overall, HomeView provides a Siri-centric smart-display experience for users already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, but its reliance on an iPhone or iPad and limited third-party app support may deter buyers seeking a standalone solution.