Apple enters the smart display market with $299 HomeView

The HomeView arrives in a compact, square design featuring an adjustable stainless steel arm and an aluminum speaker base. It functions as a Matter controller and Thread Border Router, allowing it to manage a wide range of smart home accessories, including the new collection of thermostats, cameras, and locks launching alongside the device. Users can interact with the system through voice commands or by tapping a modular interface that supports widgets for calendars, to-do lists, and home automation controls.

Personalization is a core component of the hardware. Using the A18 chip, the device processes facial recognition locally to switch between up to six user profiles. When it identifies a specific user, the screen pulls in personal context from connected devices to display private messages, emails, and tailored reminders. This security-focused approach ensures that sensitive data remains restricted to the authenticated user, provided their iPhone is nearby and active on the same network.

While the device is billed as a smart home centerpiece, its audio performance aims to bridge the gap between the HomePod Mini and larger speakers. Apple is also offering a wall-mounted variant that supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for those who prefer a permanent installation. Preorders for the HomeView are currently open, with official shipping scheduled to begin on November 13 in eight countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.