Apple HomeView may be the name of the long-rumored smart home display that Apple fans have called the “HomePad.” The device is reportedly arriving this Tuesday. Two separate reports point to the same name, although Apple has not confirmed anything yet.
The product has spent a long time in the rumor mill. It is expected to work as a speaker with an iPad-style screen, and Apple wants it to sit at the center of your connected home.
Why the Apple HomeView Took So Long
Manufacturing plans were reportedly in place about a year ago. However, Apple struggled to deliver an AI-powered version of Siri that worked well. That delay reportedly pushed back the hardware too.
In other words, the device depends heavily on software. A smart home hub with a weak assistant would not impress anyone. As a result, Apple appears to have waited until the experience was ready.
Where the HomeView Name Comes From
Two sources back the name. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well-known source of Apple leaks, reported it. In addition, MacRumors spotted a HomeView trademark filing last Friday.
The filing belongs to a company called Home Services LLC. That could be a shell company set up by Apple, though nobody has confirmed it. Apple also likes to surprise people, so the final name could still change.
Even so, the name fits the product. The device is a home hub with a touchscreen you can look at. Rumors also suggest the screen will look back at you.
Facial Recognition and Personalization
Earlier reporting from Gurman says the hub will use facial recognition. The device could then recognize which family member is standing in front of it and adjust itself for that person.
Apple also reportedly expects households to buy more than one unit. With several hubs around the house, personal settings make sense. Each person could see their own content and messages on any screen.
An intercom feature is also rumored. For example, you could call someone to dinner from the kitchen, and the message would show who sent it. Apple has not described the feature, so details may differ at launch.
Apple HomeView Launch Date and Event
Gurman said last month that the unveiling would take place on October 13. Apple now confirms an event that day called “Welcome Home.” The timing matches his prediction closely.
Do not expect a large keynote, though. Reports describe a smaller “Apple Experience” in Tribeca, New York, starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Apple CEO-in-waiting Jon Ternus is not expected to deliver a big “one more thing” moment.
How Apple May Sell the New Home Products
Apple may worry that shoppers will not understand the new category. According to reports, Apple Stores will give the products prominent space along the “Avenues.” Those are the store sections that usually hold third-party accessories.
Because of this, a customer who walks in for a phone charger may leave with a smart home display. Apple is clearly counting on that kind of impulse interest.
