Apple to Launch AI Health Coach in 2026

Apple is set to transform its Health app with an AI-powered health coach, slated for release in 2026.

This innovative feature, part of Project Mulberry, aims to deliver tailored health guidance using data from Apple devices, marking a significant step in the company's healthcare ambitions.

Development and Features

Project Mulberry Unveiled

Codenamed Project Mulberry, this initiative builds on earlier concepts like Quartz from 2023.

Reports indicate a launch with iOS 19.4 in spring or summer 2026, reflecting Apple's ongoing commitment to health innovation, as envisioned by CEO Tim Cook.

AI-Driven Personalization

The AI coach will analyze data from iPhones, Apple Watches, and potentially third-party medical devices to offer personalized advice on exercise, diet, and sleep.

It includes food tracking to rival apps like MyFitnessPal and fitness tips to refine workout routines, enhancing user engagement with actionable insights.

Expert-Led Educational Content

A standout feature is the integration of educational videos from health experts, produced with input from Apple's staff physicians and external professionals.

Recorded near Oakland, this content aims to explain conditions like heart disease risks, making the app a comprehensive health resource.

Timeline and Market Impact

Anticipated Rollout

The revamped Health app is expected to debut with iOS 19.4, potentially as part of a paid service dubbed Health+.

While details remain fluid, anticipation is building for a reveal at WWDC 25 (Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2025), where further specifics may emerge.

Competitive Edge

By combining AI coaching with food tracking and expert videos, Apple positions itself against competitors like MyFitnessPal.

This all-in-one approach could redefine digital health tools, leveraging Apple's ecosystem for seamless integration and user retention.

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Editor's Comments

This development underscores Apple's strategic pivot toward healthcare, a sector ripe for tech disruption.

The AI coach's reliance on physician-trained data and video content is a smart move to build trust, though its success may hinge on accuracy and regulatory clearance.

Given Apple's track record with seamless device integration, this could set a new benchmark for health apps, potentially influencing competitors to follow suit.

If executed well, it might also pave the way for broader AI applications in Apple's ecosystem, like mental health tools, aligning with growing wellness trends.