Apple HomeView hands-on: SHIVALI BEST is one of the first people to test the £299 home device – so, should you buy one for your family?
Apple has unveiled HomeView, a £299 smart home device that gives different family members personalised screens and can manage entertainment, assistant tasks and compatible smart devices. It goes on sale on 13 November; the hands-on review suggests it may suit households already using Apple products, while its limited integration with Ring cameras and doorbells could be a drawback.
A built-in camera can recognise up to six people and switch to their individual interfaces, with Apple saying personal content such as messages remains private. HomeView comes as a countertop model with an adjustable screen and speaker, in four colours, or as a wall-mounted version. Its Siri AI can draw on information across apps, and conversations sync with iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
- Apple HomeView costs £299 and launches on 13 November.
- It personalises the display for up to six people.
- Ring users may find its smart home integration limited.
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Smart home devices combine a screen, speaker and voice assistant to help people manage tasks, entertainment and connected appliances. Apple’s HomeView is designed for shared households: its camera can recognise up to six people and show each a personalised screen, while connecting with other Apple devices and compatible smart home products.
Apple is the technology company behind the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. HomeView’s appeal may depend on what devices and services a household already uses, and whether its smart cameras, doorbells and other equipment work with it. That matters for families weighing the cost of adding another screen against how well it fits their home.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
HomeView could be a useful shared hub for families already invested in Apple devices: it offers personalised screens, voice assistance, entertainment and control of compatible smart-home equipment in one place. At £299, buyers may see value in its adjustable display, family recognition and continuity with iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, especially if those features make everyday tasks easier.
The case against
The £299 price may be hard to justify when many households can already handle entertainment and smart-home tasks with devices they own. Its appeal also depends on using Apple products and compatible accessories, while limited support for Ring cameras and doorbells may leave some families with an incomplete or less convenient setup.