Apple’s HomeView smart home hub does not natively support several of the company’s apps, including Apple TV, Apple Books audiobooks, Apple Music Classical and Apple News Plus, according to its specifications page. Those apps require a compatible iPhone nearby, and users operate them from the phone.
Apple describes HomeView as “the perfect way” to enjoy its audio and video entertainment apps. However, Apple TV works on the hub only through AirPlay from an iPhone. The AirPlay requirement is noted in small print on the announcement page, which also says a subscription may be needed for some content and services and that some apps are unavailable in certain areas.
Other smart displays offer native video streaming: Amazon’s Echo Show supports Prime Video, while Google’s Nest Hub devices support YouTube without a phone connection.
HomeView runs on Apple’s A18 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16. Its software is more like CarPlay than iOS, iPadOS or Apple TV, with an iPhone connection needed for many functions. It also has no App Store, a common feature of smart home hubs. Third-party apps that support audio or video projection through the platform can work from day one, the report says.
The Verge says it contacted Apple to ask why these apps lack native support and whether that could change. Apple’s response was not included in the report.
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