Apple is said to be preparing major changes to its Apple Store ahead of new home product launches this fall. Along with updated versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, the company could also unveil its first smart home hub.

IT outlet 9to5Mac reported on Aug. 23 that Apple has begun related preparations at the Apple Store ahead of this fall’s home product lineup launch.

The most widely discussed products are a new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K. Both are expected to be refreshed versions of existing models.

The possibility is also growing that Apple will add a smart home hub it is introducing for the first time. The product has been known as a “HomePod with a display” or “HomePad.”

The report said delays to a Siri revamp are behind Apple’s push to strengthen its home lineup at once. Some home product launches were postponed as the Siri overhaul lagged, but the revamp has entered its final stages, creating conditions to bring related products to market.

Apple’s home product lineup has had a relatively long update cycle. If the HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K and smart home hub arrive in succession, it could signal Apple is again targeting the smart home market where it has been relatively less active.

Particular attention is on the smart home hub’s launch timing. Earlier forecasts suggested the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K would launch first, with the smart home hub arriving later.

But based on recent Apple Store preparations, the report said the three products could be unveiled together. 9to5Mac reported it could be launched alongside updated versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini.

A likely point for final confirmation is Apple’s keynote in September. Apple has typically unveiled major new hardware at its fall events.

Some details of the smart home hub’s specifications have also emerged. It is expected to include a roughly 7-inch square display. It could be released in two forms: one model with a built-in speaker and another designed for wall installation with magnets on the back. The operating system is also expected to be newly designed for home products.

The screen is expected to offer home screen widgets and support FaceTime calls. It is also expected to serve as a central hub that controls smart home accessories and connects to Siri. For the main chip, the A18 used in the iPhone 17 series has been mentioned as a possibility.

Changes are also expected for the Apple TV 4K. The Siri Remote could be revamped, but it is not yet known what functions would be added.

All three products share the likelihood of being tied to Apple’s new home strategy centered on Siri AI.

This move could mean more than simply updating a few home products. Apple has expanded its ecosystem around the iPhone, iPad and Mac, but product launches and updates have been slower in the smart home field.

If a new smart home hub joins the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, it could be seen as Apple seeking to build a new point of contact in the home linking Siri with various smart home devices.

The key will be the September event. Whether Apple will unveil the smart home hub, show the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K together, and what role Siri AI will play in these products are expected to be central points for gauging Apple’s new home strategy.