Apple Developing AI-Powered Health Coach for Enhanced Health App
Tech giant Apple is reportedly working on an innovative “AI doctor service” to significantly upgrade its Health app, according to sources familiar with the project. The initiative, internally known as Project Mulberry or “Health+,” aims to integrate an advanced “health coach” feature that mimics some functions of a real doctor using artificial intelligence.
The revamped Health app is expected to collect and analyze health metrics from various Apple devices, including iPhones and Apple Watches. This AI-powered health coach will provide personalized recommendations for health improvement based on data such as heart rate. A notable addition to the app’s capabilities will be food tracking, a feature currently absent from Apple’s health offerings.
Sources suggest that the AI agent may utilize the phone’s camera to analyze workouts and offer form tips, though some experts express skepticism about the practical implementation of such advanced features. This development comes in the wake of Apple’s previous AI efforts, such as Apple Intelligence, which received mixed reviews.
The project, however, faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the risks of misinformation. Given the critical nature of health-related information, ensuring accuracy and reliability is paramount for Apple’s development team.
To address these concerns and enhance the service’s credibility, Apple is reportedly assembling a team of experts from various health fields to create educational content. The AI doctor will refer users to explainer videos based on their health data, and the company is actively seeking a prominent medical professional to be the face of the service.
The project is being spearheaded by Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of health, and is currently the top priority for the company’s health division. Industry insiders anticipate a release with iOS 19.4, expected to launch next spring or summer.
As Apple ventures into this new territory of AI-assisted healthcare, the tech community and health professionals alike will be watching closely to see how the company navigates the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and personal health management.
