Apple's "Welcome Home" event brought a new category: the HomeView smart display hub. It's a seven-inch squared-off device that controls your smart home, handles Siri AI, takes FaceTime calls, and displays personalized information for up to six household members. Alongside it came updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 models.
Apple HomeView Preorder Details
HomeView is available for preorder now at Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy. Standard models start at $289.99 in Space Gray or Starlight, with Silver and Rose Pink options at $299. Wall-mounted versions also cost $299, but you'll need to buy the mount separately. The Power Mount USB-C costs $59.99, while the AC-wired option runs $79.99.
Amazon offers $10 off the Space Gray and Starlight standard models for those who prefer that retailer.
HomeView can recognize up to six people and display personalized Messages, calendars, and other information for each. It's more limited than an iPad but offers something tablets can't: individualized experiences without sharing a single device.
Apple TV 4K Fourth Generation
The latest Apple TV 4K model ditches the older processor for something snappier: the A19 chip inside handles the workload now. That processing power also means better connectivity—you can link up to four separate HomePod speakers as a unified audio system for your living room.
The updated Siri Remote brings Precision Finding through Find My, so you can locate it when it slips between couch cushions. A small speaker built into the remote itself lets you ping it audibly if you've lost sight of it.
Pricing jumped compared to the previous version. The fourth-gen model retails for $299, which is $100 more than what the third generation cost at launch. It's not on store shelves yet—only preorders are open. Watch out when shopping third-party retailers; make sure the listing specifies fourth-generation to avoid accidentally buying older stock.
HomePod mini 2
The refreshed HomePod mini comes in colors that match Apple's iMacs. New colors join the lineup alongside existing options. The speakers use the Apple S10 chip and introduce "Sound Glow," which pulses colors matching album art to the music playing.
HomePod mini 2 can act as default speakers for iMacs over Wi-Fi 6e. Pricing stays at $149.99 across all colors. Best Buy and Apple have them available for preorder; Amazon doesn't yet have the new model listed.
What's Not Available Yet
Apple's broader smart home push includes the Home Collection, a set of devices built alongside LG. These include the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock at $349.95 and the LG Floodlight Cam at $399.95. Apple has product pages up for these items, but you can't reserve them yet. The company expects some to land in December, with others arriving sometime in early 2027—without clarifying which devices hit which timeline.
Our Analysis: Why This Matters
HomeView represents Apple's most direct challenge to Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub displays. For years, those platforms dominated the "smart display" category while Apple focused on HomePods and Apple TV. Now there's a first-party option with tight Siri integration.
The individualized experience angle stands out. Six profiles mean each family member gets their own Messages, calendar, and Siri interactions on the same device—no handing over a shared tablet. That's a genuine differentiator for households that share devices.
The fourth-gen Apple TV 4K's $100 price jump is notable. Apple rarely increases prices without adding significant value. The four-HomePod connectivity and A19 chip suggest Apple is positioning this as a proper home audio hub, not just a streaming box.
On the other hand, the Home Collection rollout feels unfinished. A December-to-2027 window with no specifics leaves potential buyers in limbo. If you're eyeing those LG devices, patience is mandatory.
A Practical Scenario
Say you share a household with three other people. You want a kitchen smart display but everyone has different Message threads and calendar events. HomeView solves that—each person registers their Face ID, and the screen adapts when they walk up. Someone grabs breakfast, glances at their day's meetings, dismisses a reminder, and walks out. The next person taps in and sees their own information. No logging out, no handing off a phone.
What to Watch Next
HomeView availability and third-party reviews will tell us whether Apple's first smart display actually holds up against established competitors. The Home Collection timeline also needs clarification—if you want those LG devices, monitor Apple's store pages for preorder announcements. For Android users watching from the sidelines, HomeView remains iPhone-exclusive for full features, so ecosystem lock-in is real here.
Key takeaways
- HomeView starts at $289.99 for standard models
- Fourth-gen Apple TV 4K costs $299 and requires preordering
- HomePod mini 2 stays at $149.99 with new colors and Sound Glow feature
- LG smart devices in the Home Collection aren't available yet
- Check retailer listings for specific availability and color options
Frequently asked questions
How many people can HomeView recognize?
HomeView can recognize up to six household members and display personalized information for each.
Is the new Apple TV 4K worth upgrading from third generation?
The A19 chip and four-HomePod connectivity are improvements, but whether it's worth $100 more depends on your current setup and needs.
What colors does HomePod mini 2 come in?
Colors include Midnight, Blue, Green, Pink, and White, matching current iMac options.
When will Apple Home Collection devices be available?
Apple says some arrive in December 2026, others in early 2027, but hasn't specified which devices.
Do I need a subscription to use HomeView?
No subscription is required for basic HomeView functionality. Siri AI access may require an Apple Intelligence subscription depending on features used.