Apple is poised to make its most ambitious leap into the healthcare industry yet, with plans to integrate an artificial intelligence-driven “AI doctor” into its Health app.
According to a recent report by Mint, the tech giant is actively developing this innovative feature, codenamed “Project Mulberry,” which could debut as early as next year with the release of iOS 19.4.
This move underscores Apple’s growing commitment to transforming its ecosystem into a hub for personal health management, aligning with CEO Tim Cook’s vision of healthcare as the company’s “greatest contribution to mankind.”
The revamped Health app, expected to roll out alongside iOS 19 at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, scheduled for June 9-13, will leverage data from Apple’s in-house physicians to train its AI health coach.
Sources indicate that the company is also collaborating with external medical experts to ensure the system’s accuracy and reliability. The AI doctor is designed to offer personalized health recommendations, drawing from a user’s biometric data collected via iPhone and Apple Watch sensors—such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels.
What Can the AI Doctor Do?
Apple’s AI-powered health assistant is expected to go beyond basic fitness tracking. The system could analyze a user’s health metrics in real-time, offering tailored advice on diet, exercise, and even early warnings about potential medical issues.
For instance, it might suggest hydration adjustments based on activity levels or flag irregular heart rhythms for further medical review. Additionally, the app will reportedly include enhanced food tracking capabilities, allowing users to log meals and receive nutritional insights powered by Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform introduced with iOS 18.
A unique aspect of this project involves a new facility near Oakland, California, where Apple is producing video content to accompany the Health app overhaul.
This content, likely featuring expert-led tutorials and health tips, aims to educate users and enhance their experience with the AI doctor.
Industry insiders suggest this could position Apple as a direct competitor to telehealth services, potentially disrupting the $200 billion global digital health market.
Timeline and Development
Development of Project Mulberry is reportedly “in full steam,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a noted Apple insider. The revamped Health app is slated for release with iOS 19.4, expected around April 2026, following the initial iOS 19 announcement at WWDC 2025.
The stable iOS 19 update will likely launch with the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, with subsequent updates refining the AI doctor’s capabilities. This timeline aligns with Apple’s upcoming iOS 18.4 release on April 1, 2025, which will introduce additional Apple Intelligence features but not the full health overhaul.
Challenges and Competition
Apple’s foray into AI-driven healthcare comes amid its broader push into artificial intelligence, though the company has faced hurdles.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 has been uneven, with key features like an upgraded Siri delayed until 2026 due to technical complexities.
Critics have pointed to inaccuracies in existing AI tools, such as news summaries in iOS 18.3, which prompted Apple to scale back certain functionalities after backlash from outlets like the BBC.
Meanwhile, competitors like Google and Samsung are advancing their own health-focused AI initiatives. Google’s Fitbit ecosystem and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch already offer robust health tracking, putting pressure on Apple to deliver a standout experience.
However, Apple’s closed ecosystem and reputation for privacy could give it an edge, as the AI doctor will process sensitive health data on-device, minimizing reliance on cloud servers.
A Vision for the Future
The introduction of an AI doctor reflects Apple’s long-term strategy to integrate health deeper into its product lineup. Since the Apple Watch’s debut in 2015, the company has steadily expanded its health offerings, from ECG monitoring to fall detection.
Tim Cook has repeatedly emphasized healthcare’s transformative potential, and Project Mulberry could mark a tipping point, turning the iPhone into a proactive health companion rather than a passive data collector.
As Apple prepares for WWDC 2025, anticipation is building for what could be a game-changer in consumer healthcare.
If successful, the AI doctor might not only redefine how users interact with their devices but also cement Apple’s legacy as a pioneer in merging technology and well-being. For now, all eyes are on Cupertino as it races to bring this ambitious vision to life.
