How to make an old iPad as close to a HomeView as possible

appleinsider.com Oct 24, 2026

How to make an old iPad as close to a HomeView as possible

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 24, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple’s HomeView offers a dedicated smart‑home controller, but many users find an older iPad can deliver a comparable experience with added flexibility. The author explains how to repurpose a spare iPad—ranging from a 2013 iPad Air to a 2021 M1 iPad Pro—by mounting it with inexpensive plastic brackets and using it as a kitchen hub for recipes, video streaming, and smart‑home control. Key steps include setting up an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, or HomePod mini as the required home hub (iPads lost hub capability with iPadOS 16), selecting appropriate mounting hardware, and choosing a unified controller app. While the HomeView costs $299, an iPad can be more expensive initially but offers portability, superior speakers, and longer hardware lifespan, making it a versatile alternative for households that already own a device.

💡 Why It Matters

· Repurposing an old iPad turns a dormant gadget into a multifunctional control center, extending its useful life and saving households the expense of buying a dedicated HomeView.

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Report: Apple gains ground in China as smartphone shipments hit 14-year low…

Apple boosted its share of China’s smartphone market in Q3 2026 despite a 10% drop in shipments, lowest in 14 years. Counterpoint Research reported Apple captured 19.5% of shipments, up 4.8 percentage points, moving from sixth to second place behind Huawei’s 21.3% share. The rise is linked to a strong launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series, which posted 23.5% higher sales in its first three weeks than the previous‑generation model. IDC data showed a 15.4% decline in total Chinese shipments and a 4.3% fall in iPhone volumes, but Apple’s decline was the smallest among the top five manufacturers worldwide, at 4%. Rising memory costs and phone prices are suppressing demand and prompting consumers delay upgrades or buy refurbished devices.

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appleinsider.com · Oct 24

Testing iPhone Duo: Apple nearly solved my biggest concerns

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💡 The Duo proves Apple can integrate its ecosystem into a foldable chassis, turning a novelty form factor into a viable productivity tool for existing iPhone users.

9to5google.com · Oct 24

Pixelated 122: Seven years late, same foldable problems

The episode reviews Apple’s inaugural iPhone Duo, marking the company’s entry into the foldable smartphone market after a seven‑year delay. Hosts Abner, Damien, and Will analyze the device’s design, performance, and how it compares to existing Android foldables. They highlight the Duo’s shortcomings, such as limited software optimization and high price, and discuss lessons Android manufacturers can draw. The discussion underscores Apple’s late move and the broader implications for the competitive foldable landscape.

💡 Apple’s late arrival reshapes expectations for foldable innovation, forcing competitors to accelerate development and rethink pricing strategies.

9to5mac.com · Oct 24

9to5Mac Daily: October 23, 2026 – MacBook Pro rumors, iPhone Duo apps

Apple is facing a regulatory requirement to allow alternative app stores on iPhones sold in Australia, a development discussed on the latest 9to5Mac Daily podcast. The episode also examined four design advantages that a forthcoming MacBook Pro redesign could offer over the current generation, including improved thermal management, a slimmer chassis, upgraded display technology, and enhanced port selection. Additionally, Apple highlighted strong developer enthusiasm for its upcoming iPhone Duo feature, noting that app creators are rapidly adapting their software to support the dual‑screen concept. The podcast, sponsored by Backblaze, is released weekdays across major platforms and offers a premium ad‑free tier for subscribers. Listeners can engage with the show via email, ratings, and recommendations on podcast directories.

💡 Opening iPhones to rival stores could reshape Australia’s mobile ecosystem, forcing Apple to adjust its tightly controlled revenue model. Simultaneously, the MacBook Pro upgrades and iPhone Duo support signal Apple’s push to diversify hardware experiences and capture new developer talent.

appleinsider.com · Oct 24

Apple Music has hidden a classic & interactive iPod online

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💡 It turns a routine “page not found” into a nostalgic, shareable experience that re‑engages former iPod users and showcases Apple’s flair for hidden, brand‑centric surprises.

appleinsider.com · Oct 24

John Ternus welcomes iPhone Duo line at Austin Apple Store

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💡 The debut positions Apple directly against established foldable competitors, testing the brand’s ability to translate its premium ecosystem into a new form factor.