Apple is reportedly working to broaden HomeKit as part of a renewed effort to build out its smart home business. The company is developing wider smart home software for its devices and may add support for new types of connected products, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The reported expansion would give HomeKit a larger role across Apple’s smart home ecosystem. It also points to a strategy that goes beyond Apple’s existing platform, with the company said to be working with third-party manufacturers on devices intended for a Siri-powered smart home system.

HomeKit could support more device categories

HomeKit currently provides the software foundation for managing compatible smart home products through Apple devices. Apple’s reported plans would expand the platform to cover additional categories of connected products, although the specific categories have not been identified.

The broader software effort is expected to connect Apple’s smart home hardware more closely. Bloomberg’s report links the work to upcoming versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini, along with a new Apple smart home hub.

Apple’s upcoming smart home hardware

According to Gurman, Apple plans to introduce a next-generation Apple TV, a new HomePod mini and its all-new smart home hub on Tuesday, October 13. The report does not provide further product specifications or pricing for those devices.

A dedicated hub could give Apple a more central role in controlling connected products around the home. The Apple TV and HomePod mini would also remain important parts of the company’s smart home hardware lineup, particularly as Apple develops software intended to work across its devices.

Third-party devices could strengthen Siri’s role

Apple is also reportedly collaborating with third-party manufacturers on new products designed for its Siri AI-powered smart home platform. This suggests the company may seek to expand the number of products that can participate in its smart home experience without making every device itself.

For users, broader HomeKit support could mean more choice when selecting connected products while keeping control within Apple’s software ecosystem. However, Apple has not publicly confirmed the reported expansion, the manufacturer partnerships or the October 13 launch plans.