Apple Targets Residential Footprint With HomeView Hub

Apple is set to unveil a new smart home hub called the HomeView during its "Welcome home" event on Tuesday, according to reporting from Bloomberg via TechCrunch and Engadget. The device, which Bloomberg's Mark Gurman describes as a Siri-powered command center, will feature a display and an A18 chip.

The HomeView is designed to lock in the residential interface through two distinct form factors: a countertop model with a metal speaker base available in pink, starlight, silver, and space gray, and a wall-mounted version available in silver and space gray. In a departure from Apple's typical hardware strategy, the HomeView will not have App Store access and will support only a limited selection of Apple apps. Instead, the device is intended to drive the use of third-party accessories integrated via Siri and the Home app.

To populate this ecosystem, Bloomberg reports that Apple has partnered with LG to develop a line of products including doorbells, thermostats, and smart locks. Engadget further notes that Apple is working with Schneider Electric SE on devices for the European market. These partner products will reportedly be marketed under the "Apple Home Collection."

This hardware push coincides with updates to existing ecosystem anchors. Apple is expected to debut an updated HomePod mini powered by the S10 chip, alongside a new Apple TV set-top box utilizing the A19 chip. According to Bloomberg, the Apple TV and HomePod mini will be available October 30, while the HomeView is expected to ship in mid-November. LG's partner products are predicted to ship later this year at the earliest.