Apple HomeView explained: why it won't launch in the EU

Apple has announced HomeView, a smart home hub, but if you live in the European Union you won't be able to buy it. Apple says the reason is that Siri AI, the assistant the device is built around, is not available in the region.

HomeView has a 7-inch square display and an A18 chip. It costs $299 in the US. Pre-orders are open, and it ships on 13 November in eight countries, according to MacRumors.

The device supports Siri AI. MacRumors' report also points to guided recipes with hands-free timers, and to running third-party apps from a paired iPhone or iPad.

The EU is not among the launch markets. Apple says Siri AI is currently unavailable on iOS in the region, and so it will not sell HomeView there. No timeline was given for when that might change.

Apple said it is "working constructively with the EU in an attempt to find a path forward."

Apple and the EU have not confirmed which specific EU rules are behind the Siri AI delay, so the underlying cause is not clear from the report.

A separate roundup from aiweekly.co says Apple also announced a HomePod mini 2 at $149, shipping 13 November. MacRumors' piece does not verify this, so treat it as unconfirmed for now.

If you are in the EU, you can't buy HomeView at launch, and Apple hasn't said when you will be able to. Because the device depends on Siri AI, its availability appears tied to when Siri AI arrives in the region.

If you are in the US, you can pre-order now at $299. If you are in one of the other launch countries, it ships on the same date, though the notes don't list which countries those are or what the local prices will be.

What isn't known yet: whether Apple will change HomeView for the EU, when Siri AI might launch there, and which rules are involved.

Apple says it is working with the EU to find a way forward, but it has set no date. The first HomeView units ship on 13 November, and EU availability will depend on what happens with Siri AI in the region.