Apple likely to launch AI doctor with iOS 19: What it is and how it will work

Apple

Apple is working on a big new health feature for the iPhone, which could debut with iOS 19 next year. The idea? An AI-powered health coach that acts almost like a virtual doctor. It gives users personalized health advice based on data collected from their Apple devices.

According to Mark Gurman’s report for Bloomberg, Apple’s new health initiative, code-named Project Mulberry, is all about enhancing the Health app with AI. The app already tracks fitness and health data from your iPhone, Apple Watch, and other devices, but the AI health coach will take things further by analyzing this data and offering tailored advice. For example, if your heart rate trends look concerning, the app might show an expert video explaining the risks of heart disease.

Apple is even setting up a video production facility in California, where doctors will record educational content for users. They’re also looking for a well-known doctor to be the face of this new service, which some insiders are calling "Health+".

How will it work?

–Apple is going big on nutrition, a feature it has mostly avoided until now. The AI doctor will help users track their food intake, potentially competing with popular apps like MyFitnessPal and Noom.

–Using the iPhone’s camera, the AI will analyze workout movements and suggest improvements. This could eventually be integrated with Apple’s Fitness+ platform.

–Apple is bringing in doctors specializing in sleep, nutrition, mental health, and cardiology to create educational videos and recommendations.

Apple has been trying to make a big impact in healthcare for years. They’ve worked on a non-invasive glucose monitor to help detect prediabetes and blood pressure tracking, but those projects have faced delays. This new AI health coach could launch much sooner and help Apple finally deliver on its healthcare ambitions.If all goes well, the AI doctor feature could arrive in iOS 19, rolling out in the spring or summer of 2025.