Apple Reveals HomeView Hub Details Ahead of Smart Home Event

Apple is preparing to introduce the HomeView smart home hub at its October hardware event, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and reports from Tom's Guide. The device is expected to combine iPad-style controls with HomePod features and become a central hub for connected accessories.

According to Gurman's report, HomeView is designed to address a gap in Apple's smart home lineup by bringing together home controls, Siri AI, and compatible accessories. Apple has also worked with other brands on products including smart doorbells and thermostats.

Gurman described the HomeView as the product that will "close the biggest hole in its ecosystem" in his report. The device is expected to use an A18 chip with likely 8GB of RAM, while offering tabletop and wall-mounted versions.

The HomeView is expected to include Siri AI voice controls and come in Gray, Silver, Starlight and Rose colors. The wall-mounted model will reportedly be limited to Gray and Silver.

According to Gurman, the product will be revealed at the event but will not launch until "mid-November". Apple apps will be included at release, while third-party App Store support is not expected.

Gurman said Apple's previous smart home efforts were limited because Siri was not ready to manage the ecosystem effectively.

"Siri's capabilities were never reliable or capable enough to serve as the connective tissue holding everything together" was how Gurman described the earlier limitation, according to the report.

The report also said compatible accessories, including indoor and outdoor security lights, a deadbolt lock and a floodlight camera, will arrive later this year "at the earliest".

Apple is also expected to update the Apple TV 4K with an A17 Pro chip, 8GB of RAM, the N1 chip, Apple Intelligence support, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, according to the leaked details. The design is expected to remain largely unchanged.

The updated Apple TV 4K may keep or change its $199 starting price, which was previously increased from $129, though the report did not confirm pricing.

The HomePod mini is also expected to receive an internal upgrade with the S10 chip from Apple Watch Series 10. Gurman reported that the updated speaker could retain its design while adding new color options including Green, Pink, Blue, White and Midnight.