Apple announces HomeView Smart Display for Apple Home and Matter Devices including Robots
Apple's new HomeView brings smart home controls to a dedicated display, but questions remain about robot vacuum compatibility, Matter support and manufacturer apps.
Apple introduced HomeView on Tuesday, a $299 smart display that brings touch and Siri AI controls to Apple Home and Matter accessories, including compatible robot vacuums.
The device has a 7-inch Liquid Retina display and comes in tabletop and wall-mounted versions.
Control Your Matter Robot through Apple Home
Apple Home already allows users to start compatible robot vacuums when leaving for work or ask Siri to clean a specific room.
HomeView brings those capabilities to a dedicated household display. Its Home Modular face provides quick access to favorite accessories, while Siri AI offers hands-free control.
Although Apple did not demonstrate HomeView controlling a robot vacuum through Matter, compatible models should work much like the lights, fans and other smart home accessories shown during the announcement.
Matter supports basic robot vacuum functions, including starting and stopping cleaning, selecting vacuuming or mopping modes, and reporting charging status and errors. However, available features vary by manufacturer and model.
Apple Home also supports automations based on time, location and sensor activity, allowing robot vacuums to become part of broader household routines.
Apps Are Supported, Kind of
HomeView also supports certain third-party apps streamed from a paired iPhone, but there is a catch. The device lacks its own App Store and relies on Apple's CarPlay framework, which currently limits full app support on HomeView to compatible audio and video apps.
Third-party iPhone widgets are also supported.
That leaves an important question for robot vacuum owners. It remains unclear whether manufacturers such as Roborock, Dreame and Ecovacs will be able to bring their apps or limited controls to HomeView.
Advanced features such as interactive cleaning maps, custom cleaning settings and maintenance controls may still require their respective iPhone apps.
Pricing and Availability
HomeView preorders opened Oct. 13, with sales beginning Nov. 13 in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The tabletop model comes in silver, starlight, rose pink and space gray. The wall-mounted version comes in silver and space gray, with mounts sold separately.
Setup requires a compatible iPhone or iPad running the latest software.
