Apple launches new connected screen

Apple has introduced its first connected screen called HomeView, even though the domain name HomeView.com is currently for sale. The product suggests Apple is expanding into smart home and display technologies.

Domain name for sale

The domain name HomeView.com is being sold by Grit Brokerage, which estimates the owner is seeking a six-figure sum in dollars. This is not uncommon, as Apple has previously acquired domain names for its products.

Apple’s history with domain names

Apple has a track record of buying domain names related to its products. For example, it spent $1 million on iPhone.com in 2007 and around $5 million on iCloud.com in 2011. However, not all domain names are registered by Apple.

Strategic domain registration

Apple carefully selects which domain names to register, aiming to avoid leaks about upcoming products. Some registrations, like iSlate.com in 2009, were unrelated to the eventual iPad launch. Others, like Magic Keyboard in 2015, were linked to future products.

Unregistered Apple-related domains

Several domain names related to Apple products remain unregistered by the company. For example, iPad.com leads to a 404 error, and HomePod.com is for sale. Other domains, like MacPro.com and AppleWatch.com, are used by unrelated businesses or individuals.

Changing importance of domain names

The significance of domain names has diminished over time, as search engines no longer prioritize them as much as keywords. Many domain names related to Apple products are now registered by third parties or squatters.

Other Apple-related domain names

Some of the domains registered by third parties include iPhonePlus.com, MacBookDuo.com, and iMacUltra.com. It is possible that some of these were registered by shell companies used by Apple to discreetly reserve names.

History of HomeView.com

The domain name HomeView.com previously hosted an application that claimed to "revolutionize property access" and once held the library of sermons from an evangelical church in Montclair, New Jersey.

Apple’s trademark policies

Apple prohibits the use of its registered trademarks in the plural form. This policy likely influences how the company handles domain names and branding for its products.