Apple is developing a significant upgrade to its Health app, which will feature an artificial intelligence (AI) doctor. Sources indicate that the tech company aims to create a tailored user experience through enhanced data tracking and personalized health recommendations. This new direction bears similarities to Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy AI-powered health coach feature, available with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in 2024.
Apple Reportedly Planning to Revamp Its Health App
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has disclosed in his Power On newsletter that Apple is initiating a project to overhaul its current Health app, incorporating new AI functionalities. Internally, the initiative has been dubbed Project Mulberry.
Gurman notes that this project holds high priority within the company, with its release anticipated to coincide with the upcoming iOS 19.4 update. Key figures leading this effort include Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, and Sumbul Desai, head of the company’s health teams. Both are reportedly dedicated to ensuring the project avoids previous pitfalls encountered in similar endeavors.
Historically, Apple has struggled to create a health-centric app that effectively connects users to doctors for general medical inquiries. In addition, the company is reportedly developing a non-invasive blood sugar monitoring sensor for the Apple Watch, though a launch timeline remains uncertain.
The revamped Health app is expected to aggregate data from various devices—such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods—as well as compatible third-party devices. This data will inform an AI system designed to provide users with customized health improvement recommendations.
The AI chatbot, envisioned as the app’s virtual doctor, will be trained using insights from Apple’s staff physicians. Gurman also suggests that Apple plans to collaborate with external medical professionals versed in areas like sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology. These experts will create video content covering common health issues and wellness tips, which the AI doctor will recommend based on a user’s health metrics.
Moreover, the app will introduce food tracking functionality, allowing users to log their daily meals. It is anticipated that the app will automatically calculate calorie and macronutrient content. The AI coach will provide personalized suggestions regarding users’ nutritional intake.
Apple is also exploring the integration of camera functionality within the app, enabling the AI doctor to observe users’ workout techniques and suggest improvements. These capabilities will likely connect to the company’s Fitness+ platform, which will be available through a paid subscription model.
To facilitate the creation of video content for the new app, Apple is reportedly establishing a production facility near Oakland, California. The company is also seeking to develop a distinctive “doctor personality” for its AI chatbot.
