Apple HomeView

Apple’s first smart display is the best smart home controller I’ve tested. But its iPhone-powered personal features let my family see each other’s texts.

The Apple HomeView is built well, but as a smart display, it can't do as much as rivals from Amazon, and Siri isn't as capable as other AI assistants.

I admit it; I’ve fallen in love with the Apple HomeView, but I still don’t know how to feel about that. It’s a helpful device that works well with my other Apple devices, but it’s expensive. I’m a champion of keeping the smart home affordable and interoperable, so it’s hard to justify spending $300 on a smart display that encourages you to lock into the Apple ecosystem.

Apple’s smart display is compelling with great hardware and often-great software. But quirks and work-in-progress Siri hold it back.

It’s definitely not for everyone, but for couples with busy schedules, the HomeView can be a helpful daily productivity tool. There’s little customization available, but it’s designed very intuitively and intentionally to help you spend your day on bigger, more important tasks. To that end, I think it stands as an excellent smart home device for couples and parents who manage hectic teenager sports practices and events.