Apple has started manufacturing a smart speaker controlled by its digital assistant software Siri, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Apple could debut the speaker as soon as its annual developer conference in June, but the device will not be ready to ship until later in the year, the report said.
The device will differ from Amazon’s Echo and the Google Home speakers by offering virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apple’s product lineup. The speaker is expected to support continued growth in Apple's services as well as serve as a hub for Apple’s HomeKit system. The company declined to comment.
According to Bloomberg, Inventec is the manufacturer of the speaker, and Apple employees have already been testing the device in their homes for several months.
