Apple seems to finally be taking its smart home features more seriously. While Amazon has had a long list of smart home hubs including the Echo Dot and Echo Show in its lineup for years, Apple has dragged its feet but finally has that dedicated hub for Apple-centric homes. The Apple HomeView has just been unveiled, priced at $290, and it is available for pre-order from both Apple’s own website and Amazon.
The form Apple HomeView seems to be Apple’s answer to the Echo Show from Amazon. Both feature a touchscreen fixed to a smart speaker that doubles as the stand.
The price point does make this a more appealing option than just getting an iPad and putting it on a stand since it comes in a couple hundred bucks cheaper than new iPads start. Though, the Echo Show 8 does start whose screen is slightly larger (albeit a different shape too) is only $200, but if you’re looking for better compatibility across a home of other Apple products, that leap in price might be worth it.
Designed for Life at Home
The Apple HomeView is designed to be a central hub for an Apple household, supporting a family of up to six users.
Each user can have a personalized experience when using the HomeView, seamlessly switching profiles based on who is accessing it. It can sync with each users iPhone or iPad to show them their content when they are using the device. Though, users’ privacy stays protected. You can’t just pull up your sister’s text messages. Face ID is required so certain functions stay private.
Apple’s latest version of the Siri AI is on full display here. Ask it to pull up “that recipe your mother sent over the other day” while you’re cooking, ask it to bring up your shared calendars to see what’s on the docket for the day, check in with your front door camera to see who’s knocking, that sort of thing. The more you have from the Apple Home Collection of smart home accessories—be that a smart camera, thermostat, or door lock—the more you’ll be able to do with your Apple HomeView.
You can choose to grab your own Apple HomeView in one of four colors. These include silver, rose pink, space gray, and starlight.
The Apple HomeView is available for pre-order now. The new smart home hub from Apple is expected to release next month on November 13.