Apple is gearing up for its most ambitious health care initiative yet, with a revamped app and an innovative AI doctor service set to transform how users manage their health. Dubbed "Project Mulberry," this initiative aims to provide tailored health advice through an artificial intelligence (AI) agent capable of dispensing personalized recommendations.
According to a report by Bloomberg News on March 30, 2025, the project builds on an earlier effort known as "Project Quartz," which focused on health coaching. This earlier project sought to help users exercise and adopt healthier eating and sleeping habits using AI. Now, Apple has ramped up development, and the release of this new feature could coincide with the upcoming iOS 19.4 operating system update, expected in spring or summer 2025.
The revamped Health app will leverage data collected from various devices, allowing the AI coach to offer users tailored recommendations for improving their health. Apple is not only training its AI agent with input from in-house doctors but is also looking to recruit external experts in fields such as nutrition, sleep, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology to create informative video explainers about different health conditions.
In addition to the AI capabilities, the new app will place a significant emphasis on food tracking, a feature Apple has largely avoided in the past. This move positions Apple to compete directly with established applications like MyFitnessPal and Noom, which have dominated the food tracking market.
Despite its ambitious plans, Apple’s health initiatives have faced challenges. Last year, the company removed a blood oxygen monitoring feature from its smartwatch following a protracted patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo. This setback highlights the hurdles Apple must navigate as it expands its health technology offerings.
In a broader context, the intersection of AI and healthcare is becoming increasingly significant. A recent report from PYMNTS Intelligence titled "Healthcare Firms Going Long on GenAI Investment" reveals that investments in generative AI (GenAI) are yielding positive returns and prompting further adoption among major healthcare players. The report, based on surveys of C-suite executives at healthcare firms with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, indicates that 90% of these executives expect a favorable return on their GenAI investments.
Furthermore, a majority of these leaders plan to increase their GenAI spending in the coming year, showcasing a strong commitment to leveraging this technology to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness in the healthcare sector.
As Apple prepares for its significant health care push, it is also testing an M5 iPad Pro for potential release later this year. The company has scheduled its 2025 developers conference for June, where it is expected to unveil more details about its innovative health initiatives and other products.
Last week, on approximately March 23, 2025, Apple was reported to be working on transforming its smartwatches into AI wearables equipped with built-in cameras. This move reflects the company's ongoing commitment to integrating advanced technology into its product line, further enhancing the user experience.
In summary, Apple is on the brink of a health care revolution with its AI-driven initiatives. By combining technology with health management, the company aims to empower users to take charge of their well-being in a personalized and data-driven manner. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Apple's efforts may play a crucial role in shaping the future of health technology.
