Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that Apple’s AI health coach service, codenamed “Mulberry,” is facing significant delays and possible cancellation after multiple setbacks.
- The ambitious project initially targeted iOS 26, then iOS 27/watchOS 27, and was designed to provide personalized health information using Apple Watch data and Health apps.
- Under Eddy Cue’s new leadership, some features like data analytics may still be integrated into the existing Health app while Apple explores alternative health solutions.
A new report from Bloomberg says the long-term prepaid health service is on the rocks. The centerpiece of the service, which some are calling “Health+,” was to be an AI wellness and fitness coach codenamed Mulberry.
In a leadership shake-up that sees Eddy Cue now leading Apple’s health initiatives following the departure of Jeff Williams last year, the Mulberry AI health coach project is ending.
Apple reportedly spent years developing an AI health coach that would take data from the Health app and connected providers, the Apple Watch, and other sources to provide insights and reports on users’ health, as well as offer actionable recommendations. The service will reportedly use data from the Health app (from the Apple Watch or other sources), new health surveys and reports from external labs to inform AI analysis and recommendations.
According to the report, Apple even built a studio in California to produce videos that would explain health conditions and walk users through wellness plans. The system was originally set to be part of iOS 26, then pushed back to the spring release and bumped up again this fall in iOS 27 and watchOS 27. Now it looks like the entire health coach AI project has been sidelined, if not scrapped altogether.
Services chief Eddy Cue, now in charge of Apple’s health efforts, reportedly told colleagues that “Apple needs to move faster and be more competitive in health,” citing features in the Ouya and Whoop apps as more impressive and useful.
This could be good news for those tired of subscriptions. The report says parts of the project, such as Health app data analysis and video content, could be rolled out as regular Health features this year. It also mentions that Apple is working on a system that will use the iPhone’s camera to analyze gait.
iOS 27 and watchOS 27 are scheduled to be released in September after a preview at WWDC in June.