Apple may use its “Welcome home” event to introduce a new smart-home hub, but the company has not named any products for its October 13 press experience. A report says the device, possibly called HomeView, could arrive in November with an A18 chip and two designs for different parts of the home.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, via 9to5Mac, says the tabletop version will combine a screen with a speaker base and come in four colors: space gray, silver, starlight and pink. A second version designed for wall mounting is reportedly in the works in space gray and silver. Apple has not confirmed the name, designs, colors or release schedule.
Two designs could bring a screen into more rooms
The tabletop hub is described as a display that sits above a speaker base. A wall-mounted version would use a squarer base, giving people a way to put the screen in a more fixed spot. The reported color range suggests Apple could offer the tabletop model as a more visible home accessory, while the wall version would have a quieter finish.
The A18 chip is another reported detail. It would give the hub a newer processor than the one used in many existing Apple home accessories, but no performance, memory or feature details have been confirmed. Reports also describe the device as a home control point built around Siri and a screen for quick information. Apple has not explained how the hub would handle requests, connect with existing accessories or differ from controlling a home through an iPhone, iPad or HomePod.
The device’s name is still uncertain. “HomeView” has surfaced through a trademark filing by a company reported to be linked to Apple, but that does not establish that Apple will use the name publicly. Until Apple makes an announcement, the name and the rumored hardware should be treated as provisional.
November timing would follow Apple’s home-device event
Apple has teased an October 13 press experience with the words “Welcome home.” The invitation has fueled expectations of new home products, but it does not identify a smart display or promise a public livestream. Reports place the hub’s release around mid-November, which would put its availability after the event rather than on announcement day.
That timing would also separate the hub from two other rumored home products. Bloomberg reporting points to a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini arriving on October 30, while the hub is said to follow later. None of these product dates is confirmed by Apple.
If the reports are accurate, HomeView would give Apple a screen-first way to check information and control smart-home accessories in a shared room. The practical value will depend on details Apple has not shared, including supported apps, how much can be done without Siri, and what privacy controls will be available. People considering a smart display should wait for those details instead of assuming that the leaked designs describe a finished product.
For now, Apple’s teaser is the only confirmed part of the story. The company has not announced HomeView, a new Apple home hub, its colors or a November launch. We’ve covered Apple’s reported smart-home hub timeline and the rumored screen and design. You can also read about Apple’s earlier home-hub plans.
