Revamping HomeView: Bringing CarPlay’s Best Apps to Your Home

Apple recently introduced the HomeView, a groundbreaking addition to its home product lineup, marking the first major release in this category since the original HomePod in 2018.

Although the HomeView bears a resemblance to a supersized iPhone or a compact iPad, Apple has taken a unique approach with its inaugural smart display. Unlike its predecessors, the HomeView relies on a built-in app experience without the support of an App Store.

This strategy is consistent with Apple’s historical pattern of gradually introducing App Stores to its products. The App Store was not introduced until 2008 with the iPhone 3G, and the Apple Watch initially served as an extension of iPhone apps in 2015. It took eight years for the Apple TV to finally have its own App Store.

Given this background, it’s not surprising that Apple has chosen a similar path for the HomeView. While there are currently no plans for an App Store on the smart home hub, Apple’s revenue dependency on the App Store suggests that the company may be contemplating this possibility.

For now, the HomeView functions primarily as an appliance-style accessory with fifteen pre-installed apps. Additional functionalities are limited, and the device mainly serves as a secondary screen for the iPhone, reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s early days.

Out of the box, users can access Alarms, Calendar, FaceTime, Find My, Home, Intercom, Messages, Music, Podcasts, Reminders, Safari, Settings, Timers, Weather, and World Clock. Approximately half of these apps fall under the “utility” category.

Apple has also highlighted the ability to stream audiobooks from Apple Books, classical music from Apple Music Classical, videos from Apple TV, and content from Apple News. The mention of “supported third-party audio and video apps” hints at a broader range of content.

Furthermore, Apple has devised a clever way to incorporate additional apps into the HomeView by leveraging CarPlay.

Utilizing CarPlay Integration

The HomeView essentially acts as an extension of the iPhone, allowing users to access CarPlay-supported apps on the device. This integration streamlines the user experience and eliminates the need to develop separate apps for the HomeView.

Apps that currently support CarPlay can be seamlessly displayed on the HomeView screen, provided the paired iPhone is within proximity. However, only audio and video apps are compatible with the HomeView interface, as per the updated CarPlay Developer Guide.

While this integration offers convenience, it also imposes limitations on the types of apps that can be accessed on the HomeView. Apple’s stringent guidelines for CarPlay app approval may hinder the availability of certain apps on the platform.

Despite the potential for expansion as the HomeView evolves, the current focus remains on delivering a consistent user experience. The HomeView’s functionality may expand in the future, but users should temper their expectations for immediate changes.