Apple unveils $299 HomeView; PH launch still unannounced

• Courtesy of Apple

Apple has unveiled HomeView, a new AI-powered smart home display designed to control connected devices, provide entertainment and serve as a digital assistant for households. The device will become available in selected markets on November 13, but the Philippines is not included in the initial rollout.

Priced at $299, or approximately ₱18,800 based on the October 13 exchange rate, HomeView comes in two versions: a tabletop model with a built-in speaker and a wall-mounted model. Apple has yet to announce an official Philippine release date or local pricing.

Powered by Apple’s A18 chip, HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera and an upgraded Siri AI capable of handling conversational requests and personalized tasks.

The device can recognize up to six household members through facial recognition, automatically displaying their respective calendars, messages, reminders and other personal information.

HomeView also serves as a smart home command center, allowing users to control compatible lights, security cameras, door locks, thermostats and other connected appliances through voice commands or the touchscreen. The device can display up to nine security camera feeds simultaneously.

“Apple HomeView is designed to be shared by everyone in the home yet feel completely personal to each user,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

Beyond home automation, HomeView supports FaceTime video calls, Apple Music, video streaming and other entertainment features. More advanced personalized Siri AI functions require a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad.

Philippine availability

Apple confirmed that HomeView will initially launch in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore and South Africa on November 13.

Preorders have opened in several launch markets, while Singapore customers can begin ordering on October 15.

The Philippines was also excluded from Apple’s initial list of countries supporting Siri AI on HomeView, raising questions about when the device and its full AI capabilities will become available locally.

For Filipino consumers, the approximately ₱18,800 price is only a currency conversion of the US retail price and should not be considered an official Philippine selling price.