Apple’s upcoming HomeView smart home hub reportedly won’t include a dedicated App Store, with the company instead building the device around Siri, touch controls and a limited selection of Apple apps.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, HomeView will be designed primarily for voice interaction, although its display will also support touch. The software will offer selected Apple applications rather than opening the platform to a conventional App Store at launch.
That would make HomeView very different from an iPad despite its screen, positioning it more as a purpose-built home appliance than another general-purpose Apple computer.
Siri will be the main way to control HomeView
The HomeView is expected to function as a central command point for an Apple-powered home. Users will be able to view information on the display while relying heavily on Siri for interactions from across the room.
Touch remains part of the experience, but Bloomberg’s description suggests it will complement voice rather than define the product in the way it does on iPhone and iPad.
The absence of a dedicated App Store also gives Apple tighter control over what appears on the device. Instead of encouraging users to install a large catalog of third-party software, HomeView can remain focused on home controls, communication, media and glanceable information.
The hardware is reportedly powered by an A18 chip, providing considerably more processing capability than a conventional smart speaker and supporting Apple’s more advanced Siri experience.
The Apple Post’s full October 13 preview looks at the wider smart home lineup expected to debut alongside HomeView.
Apple is expected to unveil HomeView on October 13 before releasing the device around the middle of November.
