Apple has started production on Siri-based Echo competitor, reports say

New voice-activated smart speaker will be first to fully integrate with Apple products

Apple has reportedly started production of its Siri-based competitor to Amazon's Echo and Google's Home, plugging a hole in its device lineup that has become increasingly noticeable over the past two years.

The new device will be similar to competitors' offerings in form, offering a voice-controlled speaker that can sit in the kitchen or living room and verbally respond to basic commands and queries.