- Apple (AAPL) is launching a major health care initiative featuring an AI-powered health coach within a revamped Health app, set for release as early as the iOS 19.4 update in spring or summer 2026, as reported by Bloomberg.
- The company is developing a noninvasive glucose monitor for the Apple Watch, alongside facing challenges with other sensors like blood oxygen and hypertension, while planning a new “Health+” video service with external specialists.
- Apple’s hardware advancements include the M5 iPad Pro, slated for production in late 2025, and early work on M6 versions with in-house modem chips targeted for 2027.
Apple’s (AAPL) ambitious foray into health care is poised to redefine how technology intersects with personal wellness, with Bloomberg reporting that the tech giant is preparing its most significant health-focused initiative yet. At the heart of this push is an AI-driven health coach integrated into a revamped Health app, a project internally dubbed Mulberry. This service aims to emulate aspects of a doctor’s guidance by leveraging data collected from Apple devices to provide tailored health recommendations. CEO Tim Cook has emphasized that health care could represent Apple’s most profound societal contribution, a vision the company has been steadily building toward for over a decade.
One of the standout efforts in Apple’s health portfolio is its pursuit of a noninvasive glucose monitor, a technology in development for 15 years that could transform diabetes management. Intended for integration with the Apple Watch, this feature would alert users to prediabetic conditions, though Bloomberg notes that despite achieving key milestones, it remains years away from commercial availability. Other sensor initiatives have faced challenges as well—most notably, a patent dispute forced Apple to remove the blood oxygen monitoring feature from the Apple Watch, while a hypertension sensor continues to encounter developmental setbacks. These hurdles underscore the complexity of translating cutting-edge health tech into consumer-ready products.
The AI-powered health coach, however, is progressing more rapidly. Bloomberg reports that Apple is training this system with input from its in-house physicians, aiming to deliver actionable insights based on user data. The company is also exploring partnerships with external specialists in fields like cardiology, mental health, sleep, nutrition, and physical therapy to produce educational videos. These will be filmed at a new San Francisco Bay area facility, where Apple plans to identify a charismatic doctor to host the tentatively titled “Health+” service. Food tracking will play a significant role in the app’s redesign, reflecting a holistic approach to health management. This revamped Health app is slated for release as early as the iOS 19.4 update in spring or summer 2026, marking a tangible step forward in Apple’s health care strategy.
Beyond software, Apple is advancing its hardware to complement these efforts. Bloomberg highlights that the M5 iPad Pro, currently in advanced testing, is on track for production in the second half of 2025. This device, featuring Apple’s next-generation M5 chip, will be among the first to showcase the company’s latest processing power. Looking further ahead, Apple has initiated work on M6 versions with in-house modem chips, targeting a 2027 rollout. These hardware developments signal Apple’s intent to create a robust ecosystem where health-focused software and powerful devices work in tandem.
Apple’s long-term commitment to health innovation is evident in its persistence despite setbacks. The noninvasive glucose monitor, for instance, exemplifies the company’s willingness to tackle complex challenges that could benefit millions, even if the payoff is distant. The integration of AI into the Health app, meanwhile, reflects a broader trend in tech toward personalized, data-driven solutions. By combining this with expert-led content and advanced hardware like the M5 iPad Pro, Apple is positioning itself as a leader in a health care landscape increasingly shaped by technology.
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