Apple is reportedly in the process of enhancing its Health app by introducing an artificial intelligence (AI) doctor. Sources indicate that the tech giant aims to deliver a personalized experience for users, incorporating comprehensive data tracking across its ecosystem alongside tailored health recommendations based on user information. This forthcoming feature bears resemblance to Samsung’s Galaxy AI-powered health coach, which launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 earlier this year.
Apple Reportedly Planning to Revamp Its Health App
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a new initiative that focuses on overhauling the current Health app and integrating advanced AI functionalities. This project is reportedly referred to internally as Project Mulberry.
Gurman highlighted that this initiative is a significant priority for Apple, with plans for the updated app to coincide with the release of iOS 19.4. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, along with the head of its health teams, Sumbul Desai, are believed to be closely involved in this project, striving to sidestep challenges experienced in previous efforts.
Gurman noted that Apple has struggled in the past to create a health-centric app that effectively connects users with doctors for general medical inquiries. In addition, the company has been reportedly making progress on a non-invasive blood sugar monitoring sensor for the Apple Watch, although a timeline for its availability remains uncertain.
The revamped Health app is expected to enable data collection from various devices, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and compatible third-party gadgets. This information is intended to be analyzed by an AI system that will provide personalized recommendations aimed at enhancing users’ health.
The AI chatbot, designed to function as the app’s AI doctor, is said to be trained on data from Apple’s in-house medical professionals. Gurman also indicated that the company plans to collaborate with external doctors specializing in areas such as sleep, nutrition, mental health, and cardiology. These experts will contribute instructional videos on common health issues and lifestyle improvements, which will integrate into the AI doctor’s recommendations when the app identifies concerning health metrics.
The upcoming app is also expected to introduce food tracking capabilities, a new feature for Apple. Users will have the ability to log their daily meals, with the app automatically calculating calories and macronutrients. Additionally, the AI coach is anticipated to provide insights on nutritional intake.
Furthermore, Apple is exploring the potential of adding camera functionality to the app. This feature would allow the AI doctor to observe users’ workout routines and offer suggestions for technique improvement. These enhancements may be integrated with the company’s Fitness+ platform, likely as part of a subscription service.
To facilitate the production of video content for the updated app, Apple is reportedly establishing a new facility in proximity to Oakland, California. The company is also in search of a “doctor personality” to bring its chatbot to life.
