Apple HomeView isn’t just a screen for checking lights and cameras. Once it has been set up in Apple Home, it can serve as a home hub, keeping compatible accessories available for remote control and automations when you’re away.
No separate activation is required. Apple confirms that HomeView automatically becomes a home hub during initial setup, just like HomePod. A home hub can help you control smart-home accessories remotely, share access with household members and run automations.
To view which hub is currently active, open the Home app on iPhone, iPad or Mac, select the More button, choose Home Settings and then Home Hubs & Bridges. The active home hub appears at the top. If you have several hubs, Apple Home can select between them automatically.
A home hub is required for Matter accessories in the Home app, but Thread-based devices have additional hardware requirements. Apple lists a Thread-enabled hub, such as a compatible HomePod mini or an Apple TV 4K model, or an appropriate third-party border router. Don’t assume HomeView alone provides every Thread capability.
HomeView must remain powered on and connected to your home Wi-Fi network to work as a hub. For details about controlling accessories, see our Apple Home accessory guide and everything you need to know about HomeView.