Gurman Reports On Project Mulberry – Apple’s Revamped Health App to Feature AI-Powered Health Coach

Highlights

• Apple is revamping its Health app under Project Mulberry to include an AI health coach, launching with iOS 19.4 next spring.
• The coach will offer personalised health advice using data from Apple devices like the Apple Watch.
• Apple is training the AI coach with in-house physicians and external experts in various fields like nutrition, mental health, and cardiology.
• Educational videos will be part of the app and will be filmed at a new Oakland facility.

Caption – Apple is planning an upgrade for its health app. (Screenshots credit – App Store)

Apple is working on a major update to its Health app and will be introducing a new AI-powered health coach. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this project is codenamed Project Mulberry and is expected to launch next spring with iOS 19.4. Here’s what we know.

Project Mulberry – An AI-Powered Health Coach in iOS 19.4

The standout feature of this update is an AI agent designed to act as a virtual health coach. Gurman describes it as an AI system that will “replicate” your real doctor. This aligns with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s long-term vision of making healthcare Apple’s biggest societal contribution.

The updated Health app will use the data Apple already collects from devices like the Apple Watch and feed it into the AI coach. This will allow the app to offer personalized health recommendations based on users’ activity, vitals, and habits.

Gurman states, “Since then, the effort has taken many twists and turns and has roped in other parts of Apple, including its artificial intelligence group. Development is now full steam ahead, with a release due as early as iOS 19.4. That update is scheduled for spring or summer of next year.”

Project Mulberry – AI Agent Trained by Medical Experts

Apple is reportedly training this AI agent using data from its own in-house physicians. The company is also planning to collaborate with outside doctors to create educational videos for the app. To enhance this experience, Apple is hiring specialists in sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology.

These expert-led videos will explain health trends and concerns in an easy-to-understand way. They’ll be filmed at a new facility in Oakland, California. Apple is also on the lookout for a well-known doctor to serve as the ‘host’ of this new service, which some insiders are calling ‘Health+.’

Project Mulberry – Food Tracking and Workout Analysis

One of the biggest additions to the revamped Health app will be food tracking, helping users monitor their diet and nutrition. AI agents will offer guidance to improve eating habits.

Apple is also working on a feature that uses the iPhone’s rear camera to analyse workouts. This AI-powered system will study a user’s movements and provide technique tips. Eventually, this feature could integrate with Apple’s existing Fitness+ platform.

Gurman reveals, “Apple is also working on features that would tap into the cameras on its devices, such as the one on the back of an iPhone. The idea is to let the AI agent study users’ workouts and give pointers for improving their technique. This could eventually play into other Apple services, including the existing Fitness+ platform.”

FAQs

Q1. What is Project Mulberry, and when will it launch?

Answer. Project Mulberry is Apple’s initiative to revamp its Health app with an AI-powered health coach. It is expected to launch next spring with iOS 19.4.

Q2. What are the key features of the revamped Health app?

Answer. The updated app will include an AI health coach offering personalised advice, food tracking to monitor diet, and workout analysis using the iPhone’s rear camera for technique tips.

Q3. How is Apple enhancing the health experience in the app?

Answer. Apple is collaborating with in-house and external medical experts to train the AI coach and produce educational videos on health trends. These will be filmed at a new facility in Oakland, California.

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