{
  "id": 16211456,
  "title": "How to make an old iPad as close to a HomeView as possible",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/how-to-make-an-old-ipad-as-close-to-a-homeview-as-possible",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-23T17:53:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AppleInsider",
    "slug": "appleinsider",
    "url": "https://appleinsider.com/inside/homeview/tips/how-to-make-an-old-ipad-as-close-to-a-homeview-as-possible"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's HomeView excels at controlling smart homes, but some users find old iPads can come close to replicating the experience. The trick is to leverage the iPad's larger screen and powerful hardware to achieve most of the HomeView's functionality.\n\nOne key advantage of using an iPad is its screen size, which allows for easy ingredient lists when cooking. The iPad Pro's speakers are also impressive, providing good sound quality even with kitchen appliances running. Additionally, the iPad can handle tasks like watching TV and preheating the oven, just like HomeView, provided it is AirPlayed from an iPad or iPhone.\n\nWhile setting up an iPad to replace HomeView may require some effort, it can be cost-effective in the long run. iPads are highly portable and versatile, and their robustness means they often outlast their software capabilities. You can even use a 2013 iPad Air alongside a newer model, making the investment worthwhile.\n\nHowever, there are challenges to consider. Setting up an iPad requires purchasing a mount and adhesive strips, and ensuring the mounts are evenly placed. Additionally, iPads cannot be used as HomeView hubs since iPadOS 16 prohibits this feature. To overcome this, you will need an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, or HomePod mini.\n\nDespite these hurdles, using an iPad as an alternative to HomeView offers many benefits. It can serve as a personalized hub for one person, displaying their preferred content like music and recipes. While you won't get the multi-user recognition capabilities of HomeView, the iPad's portability and versatility make it a practical choice for individual use.",
  "summary": "What HomeView does, it does very well, yet there are compromises and so many use cases where an old iPad would do much better. Here's what you can do to get most of the HomeView experience. With just two mounting brackets, I can have my iPad Pro on the wall and also readily take it out again when I need. Apple got it exactly right when it determined that a device that would control your smart…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}