Apple’s new HomeView panel promises to be a useful platform for the Apple smart home, tying the company’s ecosystem together in a way that previously wasn’t possible. However, the HomeView is a whole new product, and at $299, it isn’t exactly cheap.
Also: How I open-sourced my smart home in a weekend – and ditched Google for Siri
It begs the question: can’t you just set up an iPad to work as a smart home display? You may have seen images of iPads duct-taped to the wall, but while the two tablets look similar, they’re not exactly a one-to-one comparison. It can be done, however, if you’re willing to sacrifice a few features.
More from ZDNET
How to use an iPad as a smart home display
To set up an iPad as a dedicated smart home panel, you’ll need to tweak some settings to make it act more like a smart display than an entertainment tablet. The good thing is that iPads are widely used as displays in doctors’ offices and restaurants, so we know they’re reliable workhorses.
Also: Your old iPad or Android tablet can be your new smart home panel – here’s how
These instructions can be completed after you reset your iPad to factory settings, or leave only the essential apps you’d like in a HomeView.
1. Pick a spot for your iPad
Depending on where you choose to place your iPad as a smart display, you’ll need to decide whether you need a tabletop stand or a wall mount. There are plenty of third-party wall mounts out there, but I recommend something flush to the wall and near a power source. You’ll want to keep it plugged in, instead of removing it from the mount to charge it.
2. Go to your iPad settings and lengthen the Auto-Lock time
You may want to keep your iPad display on longer than you would if you’re only using it as a tablet, and this is something you can change in your settings.
Unlike the iPhone, the iPad doesn’t have a low-power Always-On display setting, so the best option is to adjust the Auto-Lock by going to your Display and Brightness in your settings, tapping on Auto-Lock, and choosing the longest length of time you want. Obviously, keeping the lock screen password-protected is another option if you don’t want kids or visitors messing with your settings.
3. Set your Home app to your preferences
To keep your iPad looking like a smart home display, open the Apple Home app and set up your favorite apps to be accessible on the desktop. Add your favorite lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors to this view, and you’ll be able to see everything at a glance. Quick navigation is key here — you want to be able to access settings and devices efficiently, not browse the iPad leisurely.
Also: HomePod Mini 2 (2026) vs. HomePod Mini (2020): Is Siri AI worth the upgrade?
Remove apps off the desktop you won’t be using or consider deleting them from the device. You can also use Guided Access in your settings to keep the Home app open, though you can skip this and also use other apps like you can with a HomeView.
FAQs
What can the HomeView do that the iPad can’t?
The iPad can function much like a smart home panel, but it can’t do everything Apple HomeView can. Here’s a breakdown of what is available for both the iPad and HomeView and what one does that the other doesn’t:
Notably, Apple HomeView features up to six-person recognition and a presence sensor that adjusts its display based on proximity. Since it also comes with a speaker, it supports strong, room-filling sound.
What can the iPad do that the Apple HomeView can’t?
The biggest drawback of the Apple HomeView is that it’s a brand-new device that requires companies to develop apps and products specifically for its form factor.
Apple is trying to circumvent this by making the HomeView applications work like CarPlay. This means you’ll be able to access apps as you can with CarPlay, such as Music, Calendar, Messages, and potentially third-party apps like Audible and more.
Also: Apple TV 4K (2026) vs Apple TV 4K (2022): Is ‘Hey Siri’ worth twice the price?
Since the iPad is a tablet, not a smart home panel, there are already tons of third-party apps available for it, so you don’t have to wait for your favorite apps to be developed. Also, the iPad’s 4:3 aspect ratio is much better for streaming media than the HomeView’s square form factor.
Some reminders:
The iPad and the HomeView are not interchangeable
An iPad has different technical specifications from the Apple HomeView, so be prepared to adjust some settings and, potentially, some expectations.
Firstly, the HomeView acts as a Matter hub, but the iPad doesn’t. That means you’ll need to use an iPad strictly as a smart display and will need a separate HomeKit hub, such as a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K. If you end up adding a HomeView to your smart home, you could use it as a hub and use an iPad as a second smart display.
The home display is mostly just the Apple Home app
Truthfully, setting up an iPad as a smart panel for smart home use will mostly entail running the Apple Home app on it. There are some things you can do to optimize your iPad to run more efficiently and act more as a HomeView, even if Apple doesn’t offer a way to turn an iPad into a smart home hub.
Also: 3 Apple HomeView alternatives you can get today – and two are cheaper
The iPad can run the Home app and control all the same smart devices compatible with HomeKit, as you can with a HomeView. If your iPad supports Apple Intelligence, then you’ll also be able to use Siri AI with it, similar to how it’ll work on HomeView. Apple Intelligence is compatible with any iPad with an M-series or an A17 Pro (or later) processor.
