HomeView splits its speaker hardware between the screen and the base on the countertop model, while the wall-mounted version has only the two drivers in the display. Both support Spatial Audio, and both use computational audio that tunes the sound in real time.
HomeView costs $299 for either model, so the speaker difference comes with no change in price. The wall-mounted model also needs a mount that costs extra.
The countertop HomeView puts a woofer and two passive radiators in its base
The countertop HomeView has two custom full-range drivers in the display, a custom down-firing woofer, and two force-cancelling passive radiators in the domed base. The drivers keep the midrange and highs clean, while the woofer and radiators extend the bass.
The A18 chip and built-in sensors power computational audio that continuously adjusts loudness and bass response at any volume. Apple Music shows animated album art and lyrics on the display, and holding an iPhone in front of the screen hands a song off from the phone.
The system supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video, although not all content is available in Dolby Atmos. HomeView also joins multiroom audio with other HomeView displays, HomePod, HomePod mini, and AirPlay-compatible speakers.
The wall-mounted model keeps two drivers and relies on tuning for wall placement
HomeView (Wall Mounted) drops the woofer and the passive radiators along with the base. Its two custom drivers and computational audio are tuned for sound when the display sits on a wall.
The weight shows the difference between the two designs. The countertop model weighs 2.1 pounds, while the wall-mounted model weighs 0.63 pound and measures 0.39 inch thick.
Multiroom audio lets a wall-mounted HomeView play alongside a $149 HomePod mini 2, which delivers 360-degree sound from its own compact body.
Four beamforming microphones handle Siri requests and FaceTime calls
HomeView has four beamforming microphones for Siri requests and FaceTime calls, and Apple says the array picks up voices from across the room while reducing background noise. Hands-free “Siri” and “Hey Siri” work in English for Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States, and swiping down from the top of the display also starts a request.
Sound Recognition listens for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and sends an alert to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. It requires every Apple device that accesses the home to run the latest software.
HomeView ships on Friday, November 13, and the countertop model includes a 30W power adapter and a 1.5 m USB-C cable.
