A screen for your home.
With the iPad you already have.
On 13 October 2026 Apple announced HomeView: a dedicated screen for the home, with faces you swipe between. instnt hub is inspired by it and runs on the iPad you already have. HomeView is not sold in the EU. Below are the differences side by side.
Updated October 21, 2026
instnt hubApple’s screen
ScreenThe iPad you already have, with iPadOS 18 or laterA dedicated 7-inch screen, on a table or on the wall
In the EUYes, on the App StoreNot sold in the EU. Apple says Siri AI is not available here
Smart homeHomeKit and Home AssistantHomeKit and Matter; the screen also works as a home hub
Home AssistantYes, with your account or a tokenNot mentioned by Apple
FacesPhotos, Flow, Modular, Home, Controls, Cameras, Clock, Weather, Calendar, Music, Timer and companionsPhotos, Flow, Home Modular, Home Camera, a cartoon character face and more
CamerasDoorbell, and a camera face with all your cameras, via Home Assistant (beta)Up to nine camera feeds at once
MusicYour speakers via Home Assistant, with lyrics. Tested with Sonos; HomePod and other speakers through Home AssistantApple Music with lyrics, Podcasts and TV, with its own speaker
Voice and callsA voice assistant via Home Assistant (beta), with the AI you choose there; no video callsSiri AI and FaceTime
UsersOne screen for everyone at homeRecognises up to six people, each with their own Home Screen
SetupOn the iPad itself, no instnt accountWith an iPhone or iPad
Apple’s details come from the press release of 13 October 2026. I haven’t used HomeView myself. instnt hub is not affiliated with Apple; HomeView is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Which one suits you?They don’t do
They don’t do
the same thing.
instnt hub suits you if
- you live in the EU, where Apple’s screen is not sold;
- you have an iPad sitting in a drawer;
- your home runs on Home Assistant, or HomeKit;
- you want a calm screen without a camera in the room.
Apple’s screen suits you if
- you live in a country where Apple sells it;
- you want Siri, FaceTime and a built-in speaker;
- you mainly use Apple Home and Matter;
- you want a screen that recognises who is in front of it.