Apple today announced HomeView, a $299 smart home display with a 7-inch screen that lets users control connected accessories, make FaceTime calls, and enjoy music and video content. But what about third-party apps? Here’s what Apple says.
Apple HomeView’s support for third-party apps will be limited
Apple says the new HomeView smart home display is “designed for life at home,” with a wide range of features for managing connected accessories, staying organized, and enjoying entertainment.
That includes everything from controlling smart home devices and checking calendars to watching videos, listening to music, and making FaceTime calls.
However, one question Apple’s announcement didn’t fully answer is the extent to which HomeView will support third-party apps.
According to Apple, in addition to a selection of Apple apps, including Music, Podcasts, and Safari, HomeView will also support “compatible third-party audio and video apps from your iPhone for a familiar experience across devices.”
Interestingly, the fine print for this feature differs between Apple’s HomeView marketing page and the product’s press release.
Subscription may be required to access some content and services. Some applications are not available in all areas.
The press release, however, includes an additional detail (emphasis ours):
Subscription may be required to access some content and services. Some applications are not available in all areas. Select apps require a paired and compatible iPhone nearby.
Some of Apple’s own first-party apps will also be available from the iPhone, the company notes. That includes Audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, News, and TV.
Apple has yet to detail how the iPhone proximity requirement will work, and whether developers of apps in supported categories will need to take any additional steps to support HomeView.
According ot Wired, “a handful of third-party media apps like Spotify are available, and developers can bring over existing CarPlay apps.” Wired adds that “if your iPhone already has one of these CarPlay apps installed, it can automatically appear on the HomeView after setup.”
So it looks like HomeView’s third-party app support will rely on the existing CarPlay framework, rather than requiring developers to build apps specifically for the device. It remains unclear, though, whether this will extend to other CarPlay app categories, such as communication and AI assistants, or also be limited to media apps.
We have reached out to Apple for clarification on how third-party app support will work, and will update this post if we hear back.
Are you getting an Apple HomeView? Let us know in the comments.
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