Apple released its first smart display, HomeView, on Nov. 13, aiming to centralize control of smart home devices with Siri at the helm.
Initial hands-on impressions praise the build and screen quality but flag the 7-inch size as a limitation for video calls and streaming.
Rivals from Amazon and Google offer larger displays and broader app ecosystems, making them tough to beat on versatility and price.
For many households, HomeView functions best as a compact control hub and photo frame, while Echo Show or Nest Hub handle video chats and broader streaming.
Quick read · 1 min
Apple’s first smart display, HomeView, brings Siri into a compact 7‑inch screen. It looks stylish and performs well for quick tasks, but its small display size and limited third‑party app support leave room for rivals like Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub to still lead in video calls and streaming.
For everyday users, that means you may use HomeView as a smart home control hub and photo frame, while your Echo or Nest Hub handles video calls and broader streaming needs. Apple plans updates to Siri AI and app compatibility in future software releases, so expect improvements over time.
What happens next? Watch for early user impressions and official pricing details as Apple opens up wider availability and developer support.
The surprise in Apple’s HomeView announcement is not just the product itself but the space it’s entering. Apple’s first smart display sticks to a 7-inch screen, a size many reviewers say is cozy for a kitchen or bedside desk but cramped for video calls or streaming. The new display sits on a low, domed base with built‑in speakers, and Siri is the go‑to voice assistant for controlling compatible smart devices and apps from your iPhone.
As I tested HomeView, it became clear why Apple built a dedicated display for Siri. The hardware looks polished, and the screen’s color and clarity come through nicely. But screen size matters. Echo Show and Google Nest Hub lines have moved to larger screens that work better as second TVs or recipe guides. In real life, the 7‑inch panel can feel more like a kitchen clock or a photo frame than a full home hub when you’re trying to follow a recipe or chat with family on a video call.
Setup is straightforward, and Apple promises strong tying to iPhone apps and services. One note: Apple has not shared many specifics about third‑party app support on HomeView. What Apple has said publicly is that HomeView will work with compatible audio and video apps from your iPhone, but the breadth of available apps remains to be seen in practice.
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Which displays do you compare it to and why it matters
Amazon’s Echo Show line has been the benchmark for smart displays since 2017, with a long list of streaming apps, skills, and third‑party integrations. Google’s Nest Hub has also matured into a strong all‑around option, especially for photo framing and voice-powered routines. Apple’s entry is different because it leans on Siri as a core AI and emphasizes design over a broad app economy.
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The case for HomeView: what Apple got right
The display looks stylish on a countertop and stays put, avoiding the missteps of older, rotating models. The screen is small but crisp, and colors pop in bright kitchens. For quick tasks like timers, calendar checks, or pulling up a recipe hands‑free, HomeView can feel intuitive. Privacy controls and camera toggles are straightforward for everyday users who worry about smart devices in the home.
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The gaps you’ll notice in daily life
Where it lags is video calls and streaming. A 7‑inch screen isn’t ideal for long conversations or watching shows from across the room. When you compare to Echo Show’s wider app library and Nest Hub’s larger displays, HomeView shows up as a capable control hub but with fewer options for third‑party apps and streaming variety. If your home already relies on Alexa routines or Google Meet‑style calls, you’ll likely keep those devices around for a while.
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What this means for you: should you buy it?
If you want a compact, stylish hub to control smart devices, view photos, and get quick reminders, HomeView could fit nicely. If you need a primary video chat device or a bigger screen for streaming, you might prefer an Echo Show or Nest Hub. Think about your current ecosystem and whether the smaller screen will meet your daily needs.
Apple plans to improve HomeView’s capabilities over time with software updates that enhance Siri AI and interoperability with iPhone apps. If you’re curious about how it ages in a two‑device home, keep an eye on future updates and any expansion of third‑party app support.
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Quick answers
Will HomeView replace my Echo Show or Nest Hub?
Not yet. It’s meant as a companion display with more limited third‑party app support and a smaller screen. If you already rely on Echo Show or Nest Hub for video calls and streaming, you’ll likely keep those devices in place.
Is the screen big enough for video calls?
For most people it’s not ideal. A 7‑inch screen isn’t great for long conversations or watching videos from across the room.
When is it available and how much?
Apple has said HomeView is available now for preorder in some regions and will ship on a date not specified in official filings here. Pricing details aren’t provided in this material, so check Apple’s site for current figures.
