Apple is reportedly developing a larger, more advanced version of its HomeView smart display—potentially dubbed HomeView Ultra or HomeView Max—with a launch projected for 2027 or possibly 2028.
What’s new in the larger HomeView
The upcoming model is said to upgrade from the six-inch screen on the current HomeView to a nine-inch display. Unlike the fixed-screen design now available, this version is expected to mount on an articulated arm capable of rotating 360 degrees and automatically following the user. It would include additional cameras and sensors, allowing it not only to track users similarly to Center Stage, but also to detect and avoid obstacles.
Work on the project is believed to have begun around 2019, at first focused on creating a device optimized for FaceTime use. Over time, Apple allegedly added ambitions for a robotics-style movement and integration of AI capabilities. Reports indicate internal debates over which hardware and software features should be in the initial release versus what should be reserved for later generations.
Current status & expected pricing
Despite using terms like “prototype,” sources suggest Apple has finalized the hardware design for the larger model for about two years, though mass production has not yet commenced. Previously manufactured units of the original HomeView are said to be held back, in part due to delays tied to enhancements in Siri AI, rather than hardware readiness.
Price estimates for the large HomeView target roughly US$1,000—more than triple the US$299 launch price of the first-generation six-inch HomeView. The premium aligns with the increased size and proposed feature set.
Except for the display size, pricing, and movement/mechanics, many feature details remain under discussion. Apple appears to be weighing which sensor systems, AI integrations, and user-tracking capabilities will ship at launch, versus which will come in subsequent updates.
Grounded in past reports from 2024 and more recent sources, the rumors reinforce the idea of a second, more capable HomeView device as a follow-up to the current model. While some reports still put the release in 2027, it may shift into a 2028 unveiling.
Why this matters: A larger, mobile HomeView would mark Apple’s most ambitious push yet in ambient AI and smart home displays. Think of it as a more versatile Hub, combining a smart display with robotics and AI tracking. If pulled off well, this could open new use cases—video calls, home automation, hands-free control—that blend hardware and intelligence far more smoothly. What to watch for: how good the obstacle detection and swivel mechanics are, whether the AI features justify the price, and whether delays persist. This isn’t just about a bigger screen—it’s a test of Apple’s ability to execute complex hardware-software systems at scale.
