Apple's Smart Home Hub Reportedly Named HomeView, Debuting at 'Welcome Home' Event

HomeView Name and Design

Apple's long-awaited smart home hub will reportedly be called HomeView, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device is set to make its debut at the company's "Welcome home" event on Tuesday and will serve as a Siri command center for a user's Apple-powered smart home.

Gurman explained that the "View" portion of the name is meant to convey that the device will be a display primarily controlled through Siri and voice commands, rather than something like "HomePad," which would imply a tablet experience.

The HomeView will come in a countertop version with a metal speaker base, offered in space gray, silver, starlight and pink color options. A wall-mounted model will also be available, but only in space gray and silver.

Limited Apps and Third-Party Accessories

Unlike Apple's other hardware, the HomeView will only support a limited selection of Apple apps and will not have access to the App Store. Instead, Apple reportedly wants users to rely on third-party accessories that can connect to the device through Siri, Apple's Home app or its own devices.

To achieve that, Apple has been working with LG to develop several smart home devices, including doorbells, thermostats and outdoor security cameras. Gurman also reported that Apple is working with Schneider Electric SE on smart home devices for the European market. All of these third-party products will be available under the "Apple Home Collection."

Other Hardware and Release Timeline

Alongside the HomeView hub, Apple is expected to reveal a revamped HomePod mini with the S10 chip and a new Apple TV set-top box with the A19 chip, according to Gurman. While the new HomePod mini and Apple TV are expected to start shipping and be available in Apple stores on October 30, the HomeView will release a few weeks later in mid-November.

The third-party products from LG should release after that, with Gurman predicting they will ship later this year at the earliest.

Sources: Engadget