Apple's New 'HomeView' Hub to Launch Without an App Store [Gurman]

Apple's upcoming smart home hub will be called HomeView and is expected to ship around mid-November, according to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

The display is set to be unveiled at the October 13 'Welcome home' launch. Updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models are slated to reach customers on October 30, ahead of the hub's current release target.

Powered by an A18 chip, the device will serve as a Siri AI command center for the home. A countertop version will have a metal speaker base, while the wall-mounted model uses a flat, square base positioned beneath the display.

The countertop model is planned in space gray, silver, starlight, and pink. Those four finishes match the palette indicated by leaked setup screens, while the wall-mounted version will be limited to space gray and silver. The hub is also said to offer better sound quality than the refreshed HomePod mini.

Voice is intended to be the primary way of controlling HomeView, though its screen will support touch. It will run a limited selection of Apple apps, with no App Store for downloading additional software. Instead, connected accessories will be controlled through Siri, the Home app, and other Apple devices.

The accessory lineup is being called the 'Apple Home Collection.' Apple helped design and engineer LG's doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, and security cameras, including indoor, outdoor, and floodlight models. LG will handle manufacturing and support, but its products are not expected to ship until later in 2026 at the earliest.

Apple is also working with Schneider Electric on energy-related devices for Europe. Matter and Thread support will allow the new home products to work with a wider range of existing accessories.