Apple Prepares Smart Home Expansion with HomeView and New Devices

Apple is gearing up for a major smart home hardware event under the banner "Welcome Home," with industry leaks pointing to the launch of several new devices. Chief among them is the HomeView, a smart display powered by the A18 processor designed to anchor Apple's connected ecosystem.

The HomeView Smart Display and HomePod Mini Refresh

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the HomeView will come in two distinct form factors: a desktop version featuring a metallic base that doubles as a speaker, and a wall-mounted variant with a flat, square profile. The desktop model will be available in Space Grey, silver, pink, and Starlight, while the wall-mounted option will launch in Space Grey and silver.

Unlike a traditional iPad, the HomeView will not feature an App Store or support third-party applications. Instead, it runs a curated suite of Apple apps, relying primarily on Siri AI voice commands for user interaction while using the touchscreen to display vital information and smart home controls. Alongside the HomeView, Apple is expected to debut a refreshed HomePod mini equipped with the S10 chip and offered in five new colors: pink, white, green, blue, and Midnight.

Apple TV Upgrades and LG Collaboration

Apple is also refreshing its Apple TV streaming box with the A19 processor, bringing advanced AI capabilities to the living room. Reports indicate Apple has explored integrating microphones directly into the device for far-field Siri activation, as well as a redesigned remote featuring a built-in speaker to prevent it from getting lost between couch cushions.

In addition to hardware updates, recent reports highlight a strategic partnership between Apple and LG to develop a suite of smart home accessories, including smart locks, video doorbells, thermostats, and indoor/outdoor security cameras. Marketed under the LG brand as part of the Apple Home Collection, these devices will support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, and Matter protocols, with the smart lock incorporating UWB technology for automated proximity unlocking.