(Image source from: REUTERS)
Apple is said to be in the process of overhauling its Health app and has plans to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) physician. According to sources, the tech company based in Cupertino aims to provide users with a tailored experience through the app, which will feature comprehensive tracking of health data across its ecosystem and personalized health advice derived from that information. This initiative appears comparable to the health coach function powered by AI that Samsung launched with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in 2024. In the Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared insights into Apple's undertaking to enhance its Health app with advanced AI functionalities. Internally, this project is reportedly dubbed Project Mulberry.
As per Gurman, this project is considered a top priority for Apple, with plans for the new app's launch coinciding with the iOS 19.4 update. Involvement in this initiative comes prominently from Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer, alongside Sumbul Desai, who leads the company's health teams. Reports indicate that they are focusing on steering clear of previous challenges the company has faced. Gurman highlighted that earlier attempts to create a health-centric app that connected users with doctors for general medical inquiries had not been successful. Additionally, Apple has been engaged in developing a non-invasive glucose monitoring sensor for the Apple Watch, though a timeline for its readiness remains uncertain.
In the updated Health app, Apple is reportedly looking to gather data from various devices, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, alongside compatible third-party gadgets. This information is expected to be utilized by an AI system that will generate personalized health improvement suggestions for users.
The AI chatbot designed to function as the app's virtual doctor is believed to be trained with insights from Apple's medical professionals. Gurman has also noted that the company intends to recruit external doctors who specialize in areas such as sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology. These specialists will create videos addressing common health issues and providing lifestyle improvement advice. If the AI detects suboptimal health indicators from the collected data, these videos are likely to be included in its recommendations. Furthermore, the app is anticipated to introduce food tracking, enabling users to log their daily meals, while automatically calculating calorie counts and macronutrients. The AI coach is expected to offer nutritional guidance as well.
According to reports, Apple is in the process of integrating camera functionality into the app. This enhancement would enable the AI physician to observe the user's exercise habits and provide suggestions for refining their technique. It is believed that these capabilities will be associated with the company's Fitness+ service, which will require a subscription in the future. To facilitate the creation of video content for the anticipated app, Apple is said to be establishing a new location close to Oakland, California. Additionally, the iPhone manufacturer is reportedly seeking a suitable “doctor persona” for its chatbot.
