Apple is preparing to revolutionize personal health tracking with a major overhaul of its Health app, integrating advanced AI capabilities to deliver personalized health insights and nutrition guidance. This ambitious project, internally known as Project Mulberry, represents Apple's most significant push into the health and wellness space yet, directly challenging established players like MyFitnessPal and Noom.
The AI Doctor in Your Pocket
Apple's revamped Health app will function as an AI-powered health coach that analyzes data from across the Apple device ecosystem. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this virtual health assistant aims to replicate the insights a doctor might provide based on a user's biometric data. The system will leverage information collected from Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, and other devices to generate personalized health recommendations. This represents a significant evolution from the current Health app's basic tracking capabilities to a comprehensive health management platform.
Nutrition Tracking Gets an AI Upgrade
One of the most notable additions to the Health app will be sophisticated food tracking capabilities. Currently, Apple's Health app only offers basic nutrition logging for elements like caffeine or carbohydrates. The upcoming version will introduce AI-powered meal suggestions, personalized nutrition tips, and a more intuitive food logging system. This direct challenge to established nutrition apps like MyFitnessPal and Noom shows Apple's determination to capture market share in the lucrative health and wellness sector.
Project Mulberry Features:
- AI-powered meal suggestions and nutrition tips
- Personalized health recommendations based on device data
- Expert videos from healthcare professionals
- Workout form critiques using AI and device camera
- Comprehensive food tracking capabilities
Expert Guidance Through Video Content
To enhance the credibility and value of its health platform, Apple is establishing a dedicated facility near Oakland, California. This studio will serve as a production hub where healthcare professionals and nutritionists will create educational video content for the app. Apple is reportedly seeking a major doctor personality to host what some internal sources have dubbed Health+ — suggesting a subscription model similar to Apple's other service offerings. These videos will explain health conditions and provide actionable lifestyle improvement suggestions from experts across various specialties including sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology.
Timeline and Industry Context
Users can expect to see these new features as early as iOS 19.4, projected for release in spring or summer 2025. The project, previously known as Project Quartz, has now become a top priority for Apple as it seeks to expand its influence in both the AI and health sectors.
Timeline:
- Expected release: iOS 19.4 (Spring/Summer 2025)
- Development facility being established near Oakland, California
- Previously known as "Project Quartz"
Competitive Landscape
Apple isn't the first to integrate AI with health tracking. Competitors like Whoop and Oura have already implemented AI coaches powered by large language models like ChatGPT in their offerings. These systems leverage the ability of generative AI to process large amounts of data quickly and communicate findings conversationally. However, Apple's comprehensive ecosystem and massive user base give it unique advantages in delivering a seamless, integrated health experience.
The Bigger Picture
This health app overhaul reflects Apple's broader strategy of leveraging AI across its product lineup while expanding into health services. By combining the data collection capabilities of its hardware with AI-powered analysis and guidance, Apple is positioning itself at the intersection of technology and healthcare. If successful, this approach could transform how millions of people monitor and improve their health, while also creating new revenue streams for the company through potential subscription services.