HomeView will rely on CarPlay apps to make up for some deficiencies

Apple's HomeView utilizes CarPlay applications to compensate for certain limitations, which poses challenges for developers and raises questions about its usefulness. Users are unlikely to find many parking apps or access their car's app on HomeView, but there may be unique use cases in the future. However, the process of developing CarPlay apps is cumbersome, requiring developers to send an e-mail to Apple and demonstrate no safety risk. This results in limited developer support for CarPlay.

HomeView will allow users to listen to audiobooks, consult Google Maps, and use Carrot Weather, WhatsApp, TuneIn Radio, Broadcasts, Instapaper, ChatGPT, and Claude apps. However, the process of arranging apps on HomeView is similar to CarPlay, which is done in the iPhone's Settings. While this may ensure safety, it is an unnecessary limitation for HomeView.

Additionally, video playback in CarPlay only works when the vehicle is stationary, making it seem like an odd inclusion for HomeView, which can be used while the car is moving.

In the HomeView, video apps from CarPlay should also function, as Apple has explicitly stated that CarPlay audio and video apps work on HomeView without modification. However, Apple does not provide clear instructions on how to use these apps. Despite Apple's insistence that developers do not need to alter their CarPlay apps for HomeView, it is unclear if all such apps will work as expected.

HomeView is a new device class, making it unfair to compare it to the iPhone or iPad. Nonetheless, Apple's connection to existing CarPlay apps suggests that HomeView lacks a significant advantage over its predecessor. It is likely that HomeView will require its own app store for true utility.