The new Apple HomeView comes preinstalled with a selection of Apple apps, such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Calendar, FaceTime, and Messages, but it will also support third-party audio and video apps.
Apple did not create an App Store for the HomeView, so there is no on-device way to download apps. It instead uses a CarPlay-like system where third-party apps will be displayed when the HomeView is connected to a compatible iPhone or iPad.
Audio apps made for CarPlay like Spotify and Audible will also work on the HomeView, and developers will be able to extend HomeView support to existing iOS video apps.
Up to six people in a household can use HomeView, and it tells users apart by voice and through the camera built into the front of the device. Each user's apps and personal information will be shown only when the person is enrolled and authenticated. Apple says users need to be recognized by the camera and have a paired and recently unlocked iPhone or iPad near the HomeView for it to display compatible third-party iOS apps and information from apps like Messages and Calendar.
Shared photo albums and music can be accessed by anyone in the home, including guests. Guests will not be able to see personal information due to the authentication requirement.
HomeView is priced at $299 and is available for pre-order now. It will launch on November 13.
