Apple has set its next product event for Tuesday, October 13. Marketing chief Greg Joswiak posted "Welcome home. October 13." on Thursday, The Tech Outlook and FoneArena reported. Apple did not say what it will show.

The tagline points to the home, and Apple is expected to unveil its first smart home hub with a screen, which reports describe as a small tablet that can mount on a wall or sit on a speaker base. A new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K are also expected, MacRumors reported. FoneArena said the event will be an online video plus hands-on sessions for the press in New York.

The bigger news for laptop buyers may come two weeks later. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans a second launch "on or around" Tuesday, October 27. It would bring the first touchscreen MacBook Pro, in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with OLED screens that are thinner and lighter than today's models, according to MacRumors.

Gurman also expects an M6 chip in the entry 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac, with no design change. A redesigned iPad mini with an OLED screen and a sideways camera for video calls is also on the list.

The touchscreen Mac would be a big shift, because Apple long resisted adding touch to its laptops, and Macworld noted many thought it would never happen because Steve Jobs did not like the idea. Cult of Mac reported Apple is expected to adjust macOS so it works with both a mouse and fingers, rather than turning it into an iPad.

Prices could also move, since Macworld said the M6 models might cost more, after Apple raised prices in June.

The October 13 event will stream online, but Apple has not confirmed the October 27 date or any product.

What we know: Apple confirmed an October 13 event with a home theme.
What we don't: Prices, ship dates, and whether the October 27 launch happens as reported.