Apple may be getting ready to move deeper into the smart home. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, as reported by MacRumors and 9to5Mac, Apple plans to unveil three home products on Oct. 13: a smart home hub, a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K.

MacRumors said Gurman later described an event planned for that day. 9to5Mac reported the products but noted that Apple has not announced a keynote. Apple has not publicly confirmed any event, time or livestream.

The hub is the headline. Nicknamed "HomePad" in reports, it is rumored to have a screen of about 6 inches and a design that recalls the classic iMac G4, with a display on a movable arm. It would let users control lights, locks and cameras, make video calls and talk to Siri.

Siri is the key. Apple has promised a smarter, more personal version of its assistant powered by artificial intelligence, after falling behind rivals such as Google and Amazon. A home hub would give Siri a central place in people's homes.

Here is the background. Apple released the original HomePod speaker in 2018 and the smaller HomePod mini in 2020. Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub have dominated the smart-display market for years. Apple has been rumored to be working on a hub for a long time, and reports say the launch was delayed while the new Siri was finished.

Apple also is expected to release Macs with its next-generation M6 chips in October or November, according to 9to5Mac.

If the event happens, Apple usually streams it on its website and YouTube channel.

What we know: Reports point to Oct. 13 for new Apple home products.
What we don't: Whether Apple will hold a formal event, and what the products will cost.