HomeView's Wall Model: Pay More, Get Less Speaker

Apple offers two versions of the HomeView, one designed to be mounted on a wall and the other as a standalone model featuring a speaker base. Interestingly, both models are priced identically at $299, indicating no price differential for the model without a speaker base. The wall-mounted variant, however, incurs additional costs beyond the standard price due to the necessity of purchasing separate hardware, which presently starts at $60 for mounting supplies.

There are three distinct wall-mounting options for the HomeView. The Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector, priced at $59.95, is a self-installation mount that utilizes a standard USB-C cable and a power adapter supplied by the user. This adapter must be rated at 20W or higher to function effectively. The Power Mount AC Wired option, priced at $79.95, employs in-wall power, eliminating the need for visible cables.

Apple advises hiring a licensed electrician for installation, and the company is collaborating with ADT to provide installation services. Lastly, the Power Mount PoE Wired mount, priced at $129.95, is a hardwired option powered by Ethernet, yet it is currently unavailable for purchase. Apple anticipates making it available upon demand, contingent on the availability of PoE wiring in the home.

For those who choose not to mount the HomeView on a wall, an additional option exists to purchase the wall-mounted model without any extra hardware. This choice likely appeals to those seeking a cost-effective solution, though it does limit the customization options available. In terms of aesthetics, the wall-mounted HomeView is available only in silver or space gray, whereas the standalone speaker version expands on this palette with additional color choices, including starlight and rose pink.

Despite the limited color options for the wall-mounted model, it boasts a unique computational audio tuning optimized for on-wall placement, setting it apart from its standalone counterpart.

Both models incorporate speakers equipped with two custom full-range drivers integrated directly into the display. However, the standalone speaker version outperforms the wall-mounted model in terms of sound output, featuring a down-firing woofer and two force-canceling passive radiators. These additional audio-enhancing components are not available in the wall-mounted configuration.

Although the true sound quality comparison between the two models remains to be seen, it is evident that customers opting for the wall-mounted version will pay a premium for a less feature-rich hardware package. The HomeView is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to launch on November 13.