Apple’s long-rumoured smart home hub could finally have a name. According to a new report, the company is preparing to unveil a device called HomeView at its upcoming “Welcome home” event on Tuesday, with shipments expected to begin in November.
The name comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says HomeView will act as a central control point for Apple’s smart home ecosystem. Unlike an iPad, the device will focus primarily on Siri and voice commands, allowing users to manage connected devices without relying heavily on its touchscreen.
The HomeView will reportedly come in two versions. A countertop model will feature a metal speaker base and be available in space grey, silver, starlight and pink, while a wall-mounted version will be limited to space grey and silver.
Interestingly, Apple isn’t planning to turn HomeView into another tablet. Gurman claims the device will only support a limited selection of Apple apps, with no access to the App Store. Instead, the focus will be on controlling smart home accessories through Siri and the Apple Home app.
Apple is also reportedly working with LG on a range of compatible smart home products, including doorbells, thermostats and outdoor security cameras. A separate partnership with Schneider Electric is expected to bring additional devices to European customers, with these third-party accessories sold under the Apple Home Collection branding.
HomeView may not be the only new device arriving at Tuesday’s event, either. Apple is also expected to introduce a refreshed HomePod mini powered by the S10 chip, alongside a new Apple TV featuring the A19 processor.
According to Gurman, the updated HomePod mini and Apple TV will go on sale on 30 October, while HomeView is expected to follow in mid-November. LG’s smart home accessories could arrive later this year at the earliest.
If the reports prove accurate, HomeView could mark Apple’s biggest push into dedicated smart home hardware yet, bringing Siri, connected accessories and home controls together in one place.
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