HomeView Still Doesn't Support Any Video Apps, Not Even Apple's Own

Apple says HomeView is a "great way" to enjoy your audio and video entertainment apps, but some notable ones, such as Apple TV, only work if you stream them through your iPhone. As noted on the HomeView spec page, Apple TV, Apple Books audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, and Apple News+ natively in […]

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Apple's HomeView requires access to your iPhone for Apple TV, audiobooks, and even Apple News Plus.

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Apple's HomeView marketing calls out audio books, TV shows and says you can "keep an eye on the race while you wash," but shy away from these features requiring an iPhone connection. Image: Apple

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A news writer focused on creative industries, computing and internet culture. Jess started her career at TechRadar covering hardware news and reviews.

Apple says HomeView is a "great way" to enjoy its audio and video entertainment programs, but some notable examples, such as Apple TV, only work if you stream it through your iPhone. As noted on the HomeView specs page, Apple TV, Apple Books audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, and Apple News Plus aren't natively supported on the Smart Hub, so you'll need to use your phone to work with them.

HomeView is primarily designed as a hub for managing smart home gadgets, but competing smart display hardware like Amazon's Echo Show devices and Google's Nest Hub can natively stream Prime Video and YouTube, respectively, without requiring a phone connection. Apple TV is also featured in at least one promotional image for HomeView, but the AirPlay requirements are in small print on its announcement page:

"A subscription may be required to access some content and services. Some apps are not available in all regions. Select apps require a nearby paired and compatible iPhone."

We've reached out to Apple for more information on why HomeView doesn't natively support Apple TV, Apple Books audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, and Apple News Plus, and whether that might change in the future.

The hardware itself certainly isn't a limitation — HomeView runs on Apple's A18 chip, the same processor that powers the iPhone 16. Its software functions more like CarPlay than iOS, iPadOS, or even Apple TV because, like CarPlay, it requires a connected iPhone for many functions. HomeView also lacks an App Store (typical of smart home hubs), which makes CarPlay connectivity even more important for third-party app developers, as apps that support streaming video or audio through the platform work seamlessly from day one.

More information at: All news from Apple's "Welcome Home" event

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