Apple is reportedly poised to revolutionize personal wellness with the introduction of an AI-driven health coach integrated into a completely overhauled Health app. The initiative, known internally as Project Mulberry, represents the company's most ambitious effort in the health sector to date.
At the heart of the endeavor is an AI health coach, tentatively called Apple Coach, designed to analyze data collected from users' devices such as iPhones and Apple Watches. By examining heart rate patterns, sleep cycles, activity levels, and other health indicators, the AI coach will provide personalized recommendations aimed at improving fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mental well-being.
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the advice offered, Apple is collaborating with a team of medical experts across fields including sleep science, nutrition, physical therapy, cardiology, and mental health. These specialists are contributing their expertise to train the AI system and are also creating educational video content covering a range of wellness topics. Users will have access to a library of videos recorded by doctors, enhancing the app's utility as a comprehensive health resource.
An addition to the revamped Health app is the introduction of food tracking capabilities. Users will be able to log their meals and receive nutritional insights, a feature that positions Apple in direct competition with platforms like MyFitnessPal and Noom. The AI coach will assist users in keeping detailed records of their dietary intake, offering personalized meal suggestions and helping manage daily nutrition more effectively.
Apple is also developing camera-based features leveraging the iPhone's capabilities to analyze users' workout techniques. The AI coach will provide real-time feedback on exercise form and suggest improvements, akin to having a personal trainer. The integration aims to enhance the effectiveness of workouts and reduce the risk of injury by promoting proper technique.
The Health app's overhaul may also involve rebranding it as "Health+," indicating a possible subscription model as Apple seeks to expand its service offerings. While it remains unclear whether the AI health coach will require a subscription, the potential rebranding suggests that some features could be part of a premium package.
This initiative aligns with Apple CEO Tim Cook's long-term vision, who has consistently emphasized that healthcare will be the company's legacy. Under his leadership, Apple has been increasingly aggressive in integrating health features into its products, building on years of health-related efforts. The development of the AI health coach is overseen by Apple's health team, led by Sumbul Desai and closely supported by Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams.
The project is reportedly progressing rapidly, with development "full steam ahead." If all goes as planned, the new Health+ feature, including the AI-driven health coaching, could arrive with the iOS 19.4 update in the spring or summer of 2026. The timing suggests that while the iOS 19 update is expected in September 2025, users may have to wait a few more months for the AI capabilities to become available.
Apple's move into AI-powered health coaching signifies a shift in how technology can proactively assist individuals in managing their health. By leveraging data collected from its devices, Apple aims to offer unprecedented personalization in wellness management. The AI health coach is designed to replicate aspects of a real doctor's guidance, providing tailored health advice based on the user's data profile.
The integration of these features into the Health app reflects a broader trend toward personalized, data-driven solutions in technology. It also underscores Apple's commitment to expanding its position in the healthcare industry, potentially redefining how users engage with personal health data. While challenges remain—such as ensuring the AI's accuracy and dealing with the complexities of health data privacy—Apple's initiative could mark a step forward in digital health innovation.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.