Apple has introduced its new HomeView device in India, alongside the HomePod Mini 2 and Apple TV 4K, combining a smart home control panel, entertainment hub and video-calling system in one product. Priced at Rs 39,900, the device features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, an upgraded Siri AI assistant and personalised experiences for different household members. Pre-orders open on October 13, while sales begin on November 13. It will be available in four colours: silver, starlight, rose pink and space grey. Apple is also offering a wall-mounted variant for installation in areas such as hallways and entryways.
Apple says HomeView is designed to provide families with a shared screen for daily activities while allowing each person to access their individual messages, reminders, calendar entries and other personal information. Here is a closer look at the company's latest product.
Apple announces HomeView: What does it do?
A key feature of HomeView is Siri AI, an upgraded version of Apple's voice assistant designed to support more natural conversations and understand requests more effectively. Users can ask questions, explore music and seek information without needing to pick up their iPhones.
When connected to a compatible iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence, Siri AI can also draw on personal context from apps such as Messages and Calendar to offer more relevant answers and assist with tasks.
HomeView can recognise up to six people using facial recognition and display a personalised Home Screen featuring individual apps and widgets. However, personal information appears only when the recognised person is nearby with their paired iPhone or iPad present and recently unlocked.
Apple says privacy is a key priority, with safeguards intended to keep each household member's personal information separate. In addition to its AI capabilities, HomeView supports everyday activities such as making FaceTime calls, sending and responding to messages, listening to Apple Music and podcasts, and accessing compatible video and audio applications.
The device's audio system consists of two full-range drivers, a downward-firing woofer and passive radiators. Apple says its computational audio technology adjusts sound output in real time to maintain quality at different volume levels.
HomeView may also prove useful in the kitchen, allowing users to access recipes, follow cooking instructions, set timers and track ingredients through voice commands. Its Handoff feature lets users transfer music from an iPhone to the device simply by bringing the phone close to the display.
For smart home controls, HomeView can manage compatible lights, thermostats, locks and blinds. It can also show live footage from as many as nine cameras simultaneously, helping users monitor pets, deliveries and activity around their homes.
When paired with compatible cameras and an iCloud+ subscription, the device can provide additional security features, including notifications about familiar faces, pets, packages and vehicles. It can also recognise the sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send alerts to an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.
Apple HomeView price and availability in India
Apple HomeView costs Rs 39,900 in India. Pre-orders begin on October 13 through Apple's online store and the Apple Store app, while the device will go on sale from November 13.
The wall-mounted variant offers the same display and core capabilities, with compatible mounting accessories available separately. Apple says HomeView works with its Home ecosystem, including compatible Matter accessories and products from its new Apple Home Collection.
