Apple unveils HomeView, new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2

Apple has unveiled a range of new products aimed at enhancing the home experience, with a focus on smart-home integration and convenience. At the heart of the new lineup is HomeView, a seven-inch touchscreen device designed to fit on a kitchen counter, bedside table or wall. HomeView brings together video calling, music playback, camera feeds, home controls, and photo display into one compact unit.

Users can manage their home environment with the touch of a screen, adjusting lights and thermostats, locking doors, and making FaceTime calls. HomeView can recognize up to six household members, providing each with a personalized Home Screen featuring their preferred apps and widgets. The device also supports Siri AI, enabling personalized responses when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad.

The second-generation HomePod mini, known as HomePod mini 2, marks Apple's latest step in the evolution of its compact smart speaker. The device retains its compact form factor but upgrades to Apple's S10 chip. HomePod mini 2 is available in five new colors - pink, green, blue, white, and midnight - offering a wider array of options for user preference.

The device's audio capabilities have been enhanced with a move to surround sound, achieved by pairing four speakers with the new Apple TV 4K. This setup allows for coordinated audio output, adjusting for optimal sound in the listening space. HomePod mini 2 can also serve as a default speaker for Mac devices and will eventually receive Siri AI, providing more conversational responses and access to personal context from a compatible iPhone or iPad.

Completing the new product family is the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, featuring an upgraded A19 chip that delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of its predecessor. This enhanced processing power extends to AV1 video decoding, a feature that improves streaming efficiency. The new Siri Remote includes Precision Finding, a feature that aids in locating the remote when misplaced, particularly when used with supported iPhones.

Additionally, the Apple TV 4K supports the new four-speaker HomePod home-theatre setup, further enhancing audio quality.

The new lineup of smart-home accessories is designed to enhance home security and convenience. Collaborating with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, Apple offers a collection of smart home devices, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, a video doorbell, a smart deadbolt lock, smart thermostats, and temperature and humidity sensors.

These products can be set up and controlled through the Home app on an iPhone. With a compatible Apple Home hub, LG's cameras offer advanced features such as recognizing people, familiar faces, pets, vehicles, and packages. For iCloud+ subscribers, supported features include 10 days of event video history and natural-language queries that can describe video clips and search recorded footage.

Pricing and availability for these new products vary. The Apple TV 4K is confirmed for the UAE market with a price tag of Dh1,199, available for pre-order starting November 13. HomeView is priced at $299, with pre-orders opening in several countries including the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the UK, and Singapore (pre-orders starting October 15).

HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149 in the US, with pre-orders opening in supported markets on October 13, with sales beginning October 30. The UAE pricing and availability for HomePod mini 2 and the Apple Home Collection accessories have not been announced as of the announcement date.