Everything Apple announced in under 10 mins - Welcome Home 2026

Linus Tech Tips

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Video Summary

Apple's long-awaited HomeView smart home hub, initially announced two years ago and delayed by marketing controversies, is finally launching alongside an AI-upgraded Siri. This $300 device, resembling an iMac with a large Apple Watch display, features a 7-inch screen and runs on HomeView software, designed as a communal interface for families. It supports multi-user profiles, recognizing individual faces and voices to display personalized calendars, messages, and music libraries. While it initially supports only a few Apple apps, it will leverage connected iPhones for third-party app functionality, similar to CarPlay.

Despite its features like a built-in thread border router and Matter controller, the HomeView faces skepticism about its adoption, with a potential to become a "glorified speaker/smart picture frame" rather than a central family hub. The device also lacks a power button and will not be available in the EU at launch due to Siri's AI features. Apple is also releasing new smart home accessories in collaboration with LG and Schneider, a HomePod Mini 2 with an updated visualizer, and a $300 Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip and enhanced Siri capabilities.

Short Highlights

Apple's HomeView smart home hub is launching after a two-year delay.
The HomeView features a 7-inch screen and runs on HomeView software, designed for family use.
Multi-user support allows personalized content based on facial and voice recognition.
The device will leverage connected iPhones for third-party app functionality.
It includes a thread border router and Matter controller for smart home device compatibility.
New Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini 2, and smart home accessories are also being released.
The HomeView will not be available in the EU at launch due to Siri's AI features.

Key Details

HomeView Launch and Design [0:00]

Apple has finally unveiled the HomeView smart home hub, two years after its initial announcement.
The device resembles a 2002 iMac with a large Apple Watch display and costs $300.
It can be bought as an all-in-one unit with a speaker base or wall-mounted for an additional cost.

"Apple has finally unveiled their long-rumored smart home hub called the HomeView. It kind of looks like a 2002 iMac with a giant Apple Watch display."

HomeView Software and App Integration [1:00]

The HomeView runs on HomeView software, similar to iOS but with fewer apps.
It's designed as a communal interface for families to manage calendars, FaceTime, and smart home controls.
Initially, it supports only a few iPhone apps: Apple TV, News, Audiobooks, and Apple Music Classical.
Third-party apps will be displayed when opened on a connected device, similar to CarPlay.

"The HomeView is running HomeView software, which appears similar to iOS, but runs fewer apps and is clearly geared more towards being a communal interface for a family..."

Multi-User Support and Siri AI [3:00]

A key feature is multi-user support, allowing the device to recognize individual family members by face and voice.
It personalizes content like calendars, iMessages, and music libraries for each user.
To use Siri AI personal context skills, an iPhone 17 series or newer is required.
Siri AI can guide users through online recipes step-by-step.

"It can recognize the face and voice of each family member and only show that person's calendar, iMessages, music library, and so on."

Smart Home Capabilities and Market Reception [5:00]

The HomeView includes a thread border router and Matter controller, supporting various smart home devices.
Unlike some competitors, it is not expected to display ads during recipe guidance.
There is skepticism about whether users will adopt the HomeView over their iPhones, potentially relegating it to a speaker or picture frame.

"The HomeView does have a thread border router and matter controller, so it should still work with and control all of the usual smart home devices that you've acquired over the past few years."

Quirks, EU Launch, and Other Apple Announcements [7:00]

The HomeView appears to lack a physical power button, requiring unplugging for a hard reset.
Due to Siri AI features, the HomeView will not be available in the EU at launch.
Apple also announced new smart home accessories (locks, cameras, thermostats) with LG and Schneider, a HomePod Mini 2 with an updated screen, and a new Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip.

"The other major quirk is that since it relies so heavily on Siri AI, it won't be available in the EU at launch."