Almost two years after we originally learned about it, Apple is apparently still developing an AI health coach. Journalist Mark Gurman writes in his Power On newsletter, which was released on Sunday, January 12, that “The company also is increasing its ambitions in the health realm.
“Apple is planning a redesigned health app, extra features for Airpods and an AI-based coaching service. Heart-rate monitoring and sensors that measure other health data are part of that.” he added.
Although the announcement that Apple’s AirPods would now track heart rate is great, the AI health coach is also an exciting piece of information. The AI companion seems more likely to reside on the Health app on the iPhone than on the top-tier Apple watches.
There are currently little details available, but other wearables, such as Oura, have AI advising services in beta that let users ask questions about their behaviors and have the AI answer based on information gathered by your wearables.
It was reported that the AI coach could track emotions through the Apple Watch, but we haven’t heard anything since. With the Apple Intelligence rollout now underway, it’s likely that the first iteration of this capability will be available in September 2025 along with the iPhone 17.
Several years ago, AI seemed to be in its infancy, and I wrote about the possibility of an AI fitness coach with considerable concern. I feared it might give me hallucinations, health advice that hadn’t been verified by a professional, and fitness suggestions that were either ineffective or outright harmful. I still am in many respects. However, after witnessing AI permeate every aspect of the tech industry and experimenting with a number of specialized services, such as the Oura Advisor chatbot that comes with the Oura Ring 4, I’m certain that this is just the way things will go in the sector, and precautions will be taken to make sure the software is safe to use.
Though I don’t think they’re very helpful, especially for seasoned fitness enthusiasts, I can see the potential. For instance, suggesting exercises from Apple’s Fitness+ service and modifying suggested bedtimes according to your sleeping patterns, all wrapped up in comforting language like Strava’s motivating Athlete Intelligence feature.
