Apple Cancels AI Health Coach 'Health+' That Would Act Like a Doctor

Apple's Major Health Initiative Shelved: Health+ AI Coach Canceled

Technology giant Apple has canceled its 'Health+' project, an AI-based personal health coaching service expected to make significant waves in health technology. According to Bloomberg's report citing reliable sources, the company has abandoned this ambitious service that was planned to deeply analyze users' lifestyle data and provide personalized, doctor-like recommendations. Instead, technologies and features developed under this project will be gradually integrated into the existing Health app.

Strategy Shift and New Leadership Behind the Project

The decision reportedly follows significant changes in Apple's senior management. Eddy Cue, the company's senior vice president in charge of software and services, has taken over leadership of Apple's health division. Under Cue's leadership, the company has adopted a strategy of gradual, in-app updates rather than a major one-time launch. This approach aims to gather user feedback more quickly and respond more agilely to market conditions.

The Health+ project was considered one of Apple's most ambitious initiatives in the healthcare sector. The service was designed to process data collected from users' Apple Watch, iPhone, and other connected devices—including physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and dietary habits—to provide personalized exercise plans, nutritional recommendations, and lifestyle modifications. However, regulations, data privacy concerns, and medical liability risks associated with such a service were considered the biggest obstacles facing the project.

Competition and Regulatory Concerns

Increasing competition is also believed to have influenced the decision. In addition to rivals like Google and Samsung, specialized health technology companies such as Whoop, Oura Ring, and Fitbit have been intensifying competition in the personal health tracking market. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape for AI-powered health recommendation services remains uncertain, particularly regarding medical device regulations and data protection laws in different regions.

Industry analysts note that Apple's decision reflects a more cautious approach to healthcare technology, where regulatory compliance and user trust are paramount. The company appears to be prioritizing incremental improvements to its existing health ecosystem rather than launching a standalone service that could face significant regulatory scrutiny and implementation challenges.