Apple Unveils HomeView Smart Display Starting at $299, Launches November 13

Apple has officially revealed HomeView, its long-rumored smart display, according to reporting by Engadget. The device, positioned as a hub for connected home products and a control center for audio and other functions, will be available in two versions starting at $299, with pre-orders open now and general availability set for November 13.

The centerpiece is a 7-inch square Liquid Retina display. Engadget describes the tabletop model as resembling an enlarged Apple Watch, available in Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink and Space Gray. Its base houses a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators to supplement two full-range drivers in the display. A stainless steel hinge connects the screen and base, allowing the viewing angle to be adjusted. A wall-mounted version without the base is also offered, with the same overall functionality. Notably, there are no physical buttons; interaction is through the touchscreen and voice.

The display reaches a maximum brightness of 500 nits and can dim to 0.3 nits, which Apple says is the lowest brightness it has offered on any device. That low setting is aimed at use in bedrooms or early mornings. Passive screens called Faces can be customized with art, photos and clock designs. Once unlocked, the Home screen presents four widget areas, similar to customizing an Apple Watch.

A 12-megapixel FaceTime camera with Center Stage sits at the top for video calls. The device supports voice and video apps alongside native iOS apps like Calendar and Weather. Like CarPlay, users do not download apps directly to HomeView; instead, recently used apps appear on its menu. Handoff from an iPhone works similarly to HomePod, allowing audio or even recipes to be transferred by holding the phone near the display.

Siri AI runs on an A18 chip, which Apple says provides the data security needed for an in-home device handling personal information. The speaker uses facial and voice recognition to identify different users, showing a personalized interface and app list based on who is in front of it. When a user walks away, the screen locks to prevent others from seeing their content. HomeView also requires periodic unlocking of an iPhone or iPad, though a special overnight setting avoids that need for morning interactions.

Apple also introduced the Apple Home Collection, a line of smart home devices developed with LG and Schneider Electric. LG collaborated on indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a door lock and a thermostat; Schneider Electric provides an additional thermostat option. Pricing for these devices ranges from $199 to $349, but Apple has not announced availability. They will be discoverable by iPhone with a setup card similar to AirPods, and can be controlled on HomeView, including live video feeds.

For daily use, the most meaningful improvements may be the very low minimum brightness for bedrooms, the personalized profiles that switch automatically, and the handoff feature that mirrors familiar Apple ecosystem behaviors. Those already invested in Apple's smart home or looking for a kitchen or bedside control screen may find HomeView compelling, though the requirement to periodically unlock an iPhone or iPad could be a friction point for some. The value of the Home Collection will depend on pricing and availability, which remain unconfirmed. Engadget's report provides the core specifications and features, but independent testing will be needed to assess real-world performance.