External AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude may be added to Apple's smart home hub HomeView. A feature that appears intended to support conversational apps was found in beta operating system code, raising attention to whether Apple's smart home AI ecosystem will expand.

On Nov. 8 (local time), The Verge reported that a new category called Conversational Apps was found in iOS 27.3 beta code. The code is known to be linked to a feature that displays apps on an iPhone or iPad connected to HomeView. That has fueled speculation that external AI chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude could run on HomeView.

Technical clues for voice conversations were also found. The beta code includes two-way audio transmission, conversation session management and handling of conversation interruptions. The actual operating method has not been confirmed because the functions are not yet fully implemented.

HomeView is a 7-inch smart home display Apple unveiled last month. It includes the AI-based voice assistant Siri AI to support natural conversations and control of smart home devices. It also has a feature that recognises family members' faces and displays personalised information such as messages and schedules.

Apple currently says compatible third-party audio and video apps can be used on HomeView. It does not provide its own app store, and it has not officially announced whether it will support external AI chatbots.

Moves to strengthen security have also been spotted. According to code analysis, HomeView is designed to require additional authentication via an iPhone before displaying personal information if three authentication attempts that try to impersonate a user's face fail.

Waiting times for repeated lockouts are also under review. The approach would require a wait of 1 hour from the second lock, 4 hours for the third and 8 hours from the fourth. The restriction is still in development, and for now the lock can be lifted immediately through iPhone authentication, according to reports.

HomeView is set to be released on Nov. 13 in selected countries including the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore and South Africa, with the U.S. price starting from $299 (about 404,600 won). Whether and when external chatbot support and additional security features will be formally applied have not been disclosed.