Apple is developing an “AI doctor” as part of its efforts to improve its position in the generative AI market, according to reports from Bloomberg. This initiative, known as Project Mulberry and informally called “Health+,” aims to enhance the existing Health app and introduce a “health coach” feature.
The term “AI agent” suggests that this technology will have more independence than a standard AI assistant. The revamped Health app will gather various health data from devices like the iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing the AI doctor to suggest ways to enhance users’ well-being.
There are plans for the app to focus heavily on food tracking, a feature that is currently missing. The AI doctor is expected to assist users with nutrition, although the specifics of how this will work remain unclear.
Apple aims to utilize the phone’s camera to analyze workouts and provide feedback on users’ exercise techniques. However, there are doubts about how effectively these features will function in reality, especially after Apple’s previous AI efforts were criticized for being underwhelming.
Concerns about misinformation are significant, particularly since the AI has previously struggled with accuracy, leading to issues with incorrect news summaries. The potential for mistakes could be even more critical when it comes to health advice.
To combat these risks, Apple is assembling a team of medical professionals, including specialists in various health fields, to create educational videos that the AI doctor can share with users. For instance, if the AI detects irregular heart rates, it may direct users to a video explaining heart disease risks.
Currently, this project is the main focus of Apple’s health division, led by Sumbul Desai, a doctor from Stanford who is the company’s VP of health. A launch is expected with the upcoming iOS 19.4 update, which is likely to be released in the spring or summer.
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