TL;DR
Apple’s HomeView is offered in two $299 versions: a tabletop model with a speaker base and an option designed for wall mounting. The wall-mounted model requires a separate mount, and the choice is not reversible by adding the other configuration later. Mount costs range from $59.95 to $129.95, with Apple recommending a licensed electrician for the hardwired AC option.
Apple’s HomeView smart display comes in two $299 configurations—a tabletop model with a speaker base and a wall-mounted model—and buyers cannot switch between them by purchasing the other configuration later. A CNET report says the choice affects audio, setup and installation costs, with the wall-mounted version requiring a separately purchased mount.
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Both versions include a 7-inch Liquid Retina display and are designed for entertainment, smart-home controls and home security monitoring. The report says both support face recognition for personalized accounts, Messages, FaceTime, Calendar, Reminders, Find My and Siri AI. The tabletop screen is attached to its speaker base; it is not a detachable display that can later be moved onto a wall mount.
The tabletop version includes a base with down-firing woofers, passive radiators and full-range drivers, as well as automatic tilting and adjustment. It uses a standard power adapter and USB-C cable, making it the simpler option for setup and a more flexible fit for renters. CNET’s reviewer described the sound during a demonstration as loud, with deep audio, but that is a hands-on impression rather than an independent performance measurement.
The wall-mounted version costs the same as the tabletop model but does not include the speaker base. Apple offers three Schneider Home mount options, according to the report: a $59.95 USB-C connector mount that requires a separate 20-watt adapter; a $79.95 hardwired AC mount; and a $129.95 Power over Ethernet (PoE) mount. The hardwired AC option is intended for a flush installation and supplies 30 watts through a single-gang wall box. The PoE option carries power and a wired internet connection over Ethernet.
The Mount Can Change the Total Cost
The same $299 starting price does not mean the two setups cost the same to complete. Wall buyers must add a mount, and the USB-C option may require a separate power adapter. A hardwired installation may add electrician fees, while PoE requires compatible network equipment and an Ethernet run. Those added needs can change which configuration makes sense for a household.
The choice also affects daily use. Buyers who value stronger built-in audio or want to place the display near an outlet have a reason to choose the tabletop model. Those prioritizing a fixed smart-home dashboard may prefer a wall installation, particularly if they want a wired connection. Since the configurations cannot be swapped by buying a base or mount afterward, comparing the full setup before ordering can prevent a costly mismatch.
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Three Ways to Mount HomeView
The report describes the USB-C mount as the simplest wall option: it includes an attached cable, but the visible cable runs to an outlet. It may suit renters or homeowners who are comfortable with a less concealed setup, though drilling for screws and anchors may still be required. Buyers need to account for the separate 20-watt power adapter if they do not already own one.
The AC Wired mount is designed to connect to household power through a wall box and sit flush. Apple recommends that a licensed electrician install it. The PoE mount is aimed at homes with Ethernet wiring or those being remodeled; it requires a PoE-capable network switch and an Ethernet run to the mounting point. Licensed master electrician Michael Malfettone told CNET that the AC mount suits many homeowners, while PoE makes sense for homes already equipped for wired networking. These are his professional views, not an Apple installation requirement for every mount.
“For most homeowners, I’d go with the AC Wired mount.”
— Michael Malfettone, owner of Malfettone Electric and licensed master electrician, quoted by CNET
Installation and Service Details Pending
The report says Apple had not responded to a request for details about how ADT installation service for the PoE mount would work, including whether it is an Apple partnership or can be booked directly through ADT. It also does not provide typical electrician charges, which depend on the home and the work required.
The report describes HomeView’s announced features and mount specifications, but does not establish how well every function will perform in ordinary homes or with every compatible smart-home device. Buyers should check current product and compatibility details with Apple before ordering. The source gives a Nov. 13 release date but does not specify a year in the supplied text.
Check Your Setup Before Ordering
Before choosing a configuration, buyers should decide whether they need the tabletop speaker base, identify a suitable outlet or wall location, and price any required mount, adapter, Ethernet equipment or professional labor. For the AC Wired option, follow Apple’s recommendation to use a licensed electrician rather than attempting household wiring without the proper qualifications. For PoE, confirm that the network switch and cable run support the setup.
The next details to watch for are Apple’s clarification on ADT installation, final purchasing and installation instructions, and hands-on reviews after release. Until those details are available, the clearest decision point is the permanent difference between the two $299 models: tabletop audio and portability versus a wall-focused installation with additional hardware.
Key Questions
Do both HomeView models cost $299?
Yes. The CNET report lists both the tabletop and wall-mounted versions at $299, before any separate mount, adapter or installation costs.
Can I turn the tabletop model into a wall-mounted model later?
The report says no. The tabletop display is attached to its speaker base, and buyers cannot purchase the other configuration later to change their choice.
Which wall mount is least expensive?
The $59.95 USB-C Power Mount is the least expensive of the three listed. It has a visible cable and requires a separate 20-watt power adapter.
Does the hardwired HomeView mount require an electrician?
Apple recommends a licensed electrician for the $79.95 AC Wired mount, which connects through a wall box. The report does not give a typical labor price.
Who is the PoE mount for?
The $129.95 PoE mount is for buyers who can provide a compatible PoE network switch and Ethernet run. It carries power and a wired internet connection to the display.
Source: rss
