Apple is scaling back plans for its long-rumored “Apple Health+” service, initially envisioned as an AI-powered virtual health coach integrated within the Apple Health app. While the project isn’t canceled outright, its ambitious scope is being significantly reduced, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman .
Apple Health+ was intended to leverage the wealth of health data collected by Apple Watch and iPhones, combined with user-submitted information and potentially external lab reports, to provide personalized health recommendations. The service would have offered detailed health reports, educational videos explaining medical conditions, and wellness tips, all driven by artificial intelligence. The core idea was to proactively assist users in achieving their health and fitness goals through personalized guidance and accountability.
The shift in strategy comes after years of development. Rumors of an AI-driven health offering from Apple date back to at least , with initial expectations pointing towards a launch alongside iOS 27. The service was even speculated to be a subscription offering, potentially named “Apple Health Plus,” launching with iOS 19.4, as reported in January .
However, Apple is now opting to repurpose some of the underlying components of Apple Health+ and introduce them incrementally into the existing Health app. These features will likely include AI-driven suggestions based on the data already collected by the Health app. This suggests a move away from a standalone, comprehensive service towards a more integrated approach, enhancing the functionality of the current Health app rather than launching a separate subscription product.
The decision to scale back Apple Health+ reflects a broader reassessment of Apple’s health initiatives. Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, is also reportedly “considering changes” to Apple Fitness+, though specific details remain undisclosed. This suggests Apple is evaluating the overall strategy for its health and fitness services, potentially seeking a more streamlined and focused approach.
The initial vision for Apple Health+ was ambitious, aiming to create a truly proactive and personalized health experience. The service would have built upon the foundation of the Health app, adding coaching, food logging, and more detailed analysis of user data. Integration with Apple Fitness+ was also considered, potentially merging the two services into a single offering. The ability to combine data from Apple Watches, user surveys, and external lab reports would have provided a holistic view of a user’s health, enabling more accurate and tailored recommendations.
The delay and scaling back of Apple Health+ also occur within a rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered health tools. Numerous startups and established tech companies are vying to offer similar services, leveraging AI to provide personalized health insights and coaching. Apple’s decision may be influenced by the competitive pressures in this space, as well as the challenges of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven health recommendations.
The implications of this shift are multifaceted. For consumers, it means a delay in accessing a potentially powerful, AI-driven health coach. However, the incremental integration of Health+ features into the existing Health app could still deliver valuable benefits, enhancing the app’s functionality and providing more personalized insights. The future of Apple’s health strategy remains uncertain, but the company’s continued investment in health and fitness technologies suggests a long-term commitment to this space.
The timing of this announcement is notable, coming shortly after reports of Apple’s acquisition of Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion . While the connection between the acquisition and the scaling back of Apple Health+ isn’t explicitly stated, it’s possible that Apple is re-evaluating its AI strategy in light of the new acquisition. Q.ai specializes in AI-powered investment platforms, and its technology could potentially be leveraged to enhance Apple’s health and fitness offerings in new ways.
Apple is urging users to upgrade their Home app by , to avoid compatibility issues with accessories and automations. This highlights Apple’s ongoing efforts to modernize its software infrastructure and ensure a seamless user experience. The company is also preparing to launch new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models in the near future, indicating a continued focus on hardware innovation.
