Choosing USB-C connections for both the audio base and wall-mounted Apple HomeView means accessory makers will be able to make bespoke products that transform the 7-inch tablet.

If you were excited for a portable Apple Home hub display that could be carried through your home, don't give up hope just yet. Since Apple utilized USB-C ports for HomeView, accessories will open up a lot more options for the product.

Apple might only sell the HomeView in two configurations, but these aren't the limits of this device. Since it only needs as much power as a HomePod mini and is powered over USB-C, it will be dead simple to connect it to a variety of accessories.

The model with a speaker base won't be as modular, but the lack of an integrated cable is a boon for users. The wall-mount option is much more versatile and should allow for all kinds of cases, mounts, and battery packs.

A portable HomeView

Apple clearly expects the HomeView to be a stationary device, which is great for Apple. If you want to use HomeView in more than one room, you'll need to buy more than one HomeView.

Small round black smart speaker on a glass table outdoors, with mesh fabric top, power cord trailing behind, and blurred green trees and fence in the sunny background

HomePod mini can be portable with a battery base

However, I fully expect accessory makers to build products that will open up the HomeView's use case. The speaker base model could get a battery pack similar to the one made for HomePod mini, for example.

The more interesting of the two models is the wall-mount option. While the Apple Store clearly pushes users to pay extra for a wall mount, it isn't required.

The wall mount options show that a USB-C port inside of a ring is all that is needed to connect to the rear of the HomeView tablet. I imagine the 3D printer community is going to jump all over designing cases and wall mounting options.

The 7-inch tablet would also be great for a classic Mac housing, or even a true iMac G4 base. Either option could easily hide a battery pack that connects to the tablet's USB-C port.

Sure, HomeView isn't meant to be portable, but if it simply attaches to the wall via the USB-C port, it can be grabbed and moved to a battery pack at will. Yes, that means it'll power off when you do this, but I don't know if that'll be an issue.

Or, alternatively, you could keep the HomeView in a portable housing with a battery pack, connecting the battery to power at your destination. I use the HomePod mini that way for carrying it outdoors, then storing it in the workshop when not in use, and I could see using HomeView similarly.

More accessories are coming

Apple has published the power requirements for HomeView. The model with a speaker base needs a 30W power adapter, while the wall-mounted one needs 20W and supports 9V at 2.22A or higher.

Apple HomeView has only just been announced. Its dimensions have been published on Apple's website, so it is only a matter of time before 3D printed projects and third-party accessories start appearing.

All you need is a portable battery capable of providing at least 20W from a USB-C port and you've got yourself a portable HomeView. Though, for the best experience, you'll want a custom case or stand as well.

Expect more on this soon.