Five years after Siri's first launch in iPhone 4S, Apple is reportedly opening up its virtual assistant platform to third party developers through a dedicated SDK, and might delve deeper into Artificial Intelligence Services to produce a device similar to Amazon Echo.

Apple is reportedly developing a project, which would compete with Amazon Echo, or the newly launched Google Home according to The Information. Citing a source, who is familiar on the matter, the report suggests that the Siri - based device would include a speaker and a microphone, which could be used for different functions like listening to music, getting latest headlines and more.

Moreover, Apple is preparing to release a software development kit for with basic question answer requirement, which will include a generic search term box that would be populated with Siri's voice recognition module, according to reports from Apple Insider.

Meanwhile, both Google and Amazon have developed in - home personal assistant devices, which have been built around their Artificial Intelligence platforms, which Apple will compete with. The products, thus developed, are able to perform a wide range of functions, including but not limited to providing weather reports, answering queries, controlling smart home devices like thermostats and bulbs.

Notably, Amazon Echo has been well received and was the prime enforcer in the market, until Google launched its Home product in the recent Google I/O, which also supports similar features.

Apple has reportedly been working on an Echo competitor even before it was launched last year, and it might include features like internet access, a speaker, and the ability to control its own Homekit products.

Apple has been known to be less competitive about rolling out first - party connected home products. However, that is due to change with this latest product in development, set to launch soon. Users need to stay tuned to Apple to get more information on its products.