Apple HomeView Review: A Charming Smart Display with Some Limitations

The Apple HomeView, the company’s first smart display, launched at a $299 price point, positioning it as a premium hub for smart home management and digital communication.

In a column for CNN Underscored, reviewer Michael Andronico argues that while the device offers a charming, user-friendly experience, its high cost and functional limitations make it a difficult recommendation for the average consumer.

The device features a 7-inch display and comes in four colors, including silver, Starlight, Rose Pink, and Space Gray.

It is available in two hardware configurations: a standard model with a domed speaker base and a wall-mounted version. According to the review, the setup process mirrors other Apple products, allowing users to pair the device with an iPhone to sync personal profiles via Face ID.

The HomeView serves as a central interface for HomeKit-compatible devices. Users can monitor security camera feeds, adjust thermostats, and control lighting through the Home app or via voice commands. The device utilizes an updated version of Siri, which Andronico notes is more conversational and capable of handling follow-up questions without requiring repetitive prompts.

The display also includes a Recipe Mode that strips website clutter from cooking instructions, allowing users to follow steps by touch or voice. For communication, the 12-megapixel camera supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps the user in the frame during FaceTime calls.

The standard model includes a built-in woofer that supports 360-degree Spatial Audio. While the sound quality is crisp and loud enough for general household use, the review notes that the bass can occasionally overpower vocal tracks.

The HomeView features a 7-inch squarish display that is not designed as a traditional widescreen for video consumption. While users can AirPlay content from their phones, the display often functions only as an audio source rather than a full video player.

The $299 price tag places the HomeView in direct competition with Amazon’s Echo Show lineup, which offers a broader range of sizes and lower entry costs. Amazon’s devices, such as the Echo Show 8 and 11, provide traditional widescreen displays better suited for media consumption.

“Amazon’s Echo Show devices have traditional widescreen displays, making them better suited for watching movies and shows as well as juggling lots of different smart home widgets at once,” Andronico observed. While the HomeView succeeds as a compact hub for Apple users, the review notes its high price and notes that other devices offer better value.