Apple officially announced the HomeView smart display on 13 Oct 2026, entering the smart home market with a dedicated hardware ecosystem controller. The device is built around a 7-inch Liquid Retina display and is powered by an A18 chip, incorporating a secure enclave designed for on-device face and audio processing as detailed by Apple.

Consumers can purchase the hardware in two distinct form factors: a tabletop model featuring a speaker base or a wall-mounted variant. Both configurations carry a U.S. retail price of $299. Pre-orders for the device opened immediately on 13 Oct 2026, with official shipping scheduled to begin on 13 Nov 2026.

At launch, regional availability is limited to the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, and South Africa. Apple confirmed that HomeView will not be sold in the European Union upon release.

Hardware Specifications and Core Features

Availability and Pricing

HomeView supports recognition for up to six individual users through on-device face recognition technology. The unit integrates Siri AI running in English as a beta feature, alongside a 12-megapixel front camera equipped with Center Stage for FaceTime communications. The operating setup requires a compatible iPhone or iPad running the latest software for initial configuration and personal-context features. Unlike general-purpose tablets, the hardware does not include an App Store, relying entirely on built-in Apple applications and widgets for its functionality.

For smart home management, HomeView integrates directly with HomeKit and Matter accessories, allowing users to display up to nine live camera feeds simultaneously. The system also includes safety monitoring capabilities, such as the ability to detect smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and broadcast alerts to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

Entertainment options span native media services, providing access to Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, and Apple News+. Additionally, the device supports multiroom audio via AirPlay, functioning as a direct replacement for dedicated smart speakers while offering an intercom feature to transmit voice messages between rooms.

Because the hardware lacks an open application marketplace, buyers must rely solely on pre-installed utilities and system software updates provided directly by the manufacturer. Setup dependencies require that owners already possess a compatible iPhone or iPad running current software versions to complete initial configurations and enable personal-context capabilities.

Following the initial pre-order phase on 13 Oct 2026, physical distributions are slated to commence across the confirmed launch territories on 13 Nov 2026. Apple has not disclosed any subsequent release timelines for the European Union or additional international regions.