Apple Siri Speaker Tipped to Launch at WWDC, Will Take on Amazon Echo

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is back with more Apple revelations, but this time it's not about the iPhone 8. According to Kuo, Apple is gearing up to launch a Google Home and Amazon Echo rival at WWDC this year, and the smart speaker will be powered by Siri (of course).

9to5Mac reports that the analyst suggests that the device will launch in June, but will go on sale sometime in the second half of the year. In his note, Kuo writes that Apple can no longer ignore AI, with Amazon Echo's success, and that Amazon's speaker is expected to outsell iPad models in 2018. The device is expected to have premium audio quality, with similar SoCs like the ones found on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. The device is expected to have seven tweeters and a sub-woofer, and will be positioned as a high-end device, with a price tag much higher than Amazon Echo.

Notably, Kuo notes that there are about 50 percent chances of announcing the Siri Speaker at WWDC, leaving room for Apple to change plans as time progresses. However, it does claim that the smart speaker will be announced before the end of this year. The analyst expects 10 million of these devices to be sold in its first year. Kuo does not divulge in the design details of the device, but knowing Apple, they'd want to it to look top-notch.

Apple has reportedly partnered with Inventec to manufacture this Siri Speaker, just like it did for its AirPods. The device, as mentioned, will be powered by Siri, and will perform tasks, answer questions, and set reminders for you, just like its competitors, but Apple could build in more features to make it stand out from the others.

Last week, tipster Sonny Dickson said that designs for Apple's rival of the Amazon Echo are currently being finalised, and that it will be marketed as a Siri/AirPlay device. It is said to carry some form of Beats technology, he added, while running a variant of iOS. He also revealed that the design will be similar to the Mac Pro's trashcan style form factor, with a concave top complete with controls, and a UE Boom style mesh design on the sides.