Apple's highly anticipated AI-powered health coach service, known internally as 'Mulberry,' is reportedly on life support following a series of significant delays and setbacks.Originally intended for release with iOS 26, the project has been pushed back multiple times and is now uncertain, potentially facing outright cancellation.
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macworld.comThe Mulberry service was designed to provide users with personalized health insights by utilizing data from the Apple Watch and the Health app.It aimed to act as a comprehensive wellness coach, analyzing biometric data and offering actionable health recommendations.
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macworld.comHowever, after a leadership change, with Eddy Cue taking over Apple's health initiatives, the project has seen a winding down of its development.
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macworld.comApple had invested considerable resources into the Mulberry project, including the construction of a dedicated studio in California to produce educational content on medical conditions and wellness plans.The service was expected to integrate various data sources, including health surveys and reports from external labs, to enhance its recommendations.Yet, as of now, it appears that the entire initiative has been shelved or significantly deprioritized.
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macworld.comThe current state of the project reflects a broader trend within Apple to rethink its approach to health technology.Under Cue's leadership, there are indications that Apple may be exploring alternative health solutions while still incorporating some elements of the Mulberry project into existing health features.Reports suggest that certain functionalities, such as data analysis, could still be integrated into the regular Health app this year.
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macworld.comThis shift may be a response to growing competition from other health-focused apps and services, as Cue emphasized the need for Apple to be more agile and competitive in the health space.
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macworld.comBloomberg reports that part of the re-evaluation includes a focus on more immediate health features set to launch with the iOS 27 and watchOS 27 updates.These updates are expected to introduce new tools for tracking emotional well-being and managing vision conditions, among other enhancements.
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macworld.commashable.comAdditionally, Apple is reportedly working on a system that would leverage the iPhone camera for gait analysis, further diversifying its health offerings.
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macworld.comDespite these advancements, the fate of the Mulberry AI health coach remains uncertain.The project was initially positioned as a subscription-based service, which could have added to the growing trend of subscription fatigue among consumers.Apple's potential pivot towards integrating features into existing platforms could mitigate this concern, allowing users to benefit from enhanced health tools without the commitment of a new subscription.
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macworld.comAs Apple navigates these challenges, the tech giant continues to position itself as a leader in the health technology sector.The company's efforts are underscored by its commitment to enhancing the features of its devices, particularly the Apple Watch, which has increasingly become a pivotal part of its health strategy.With features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG readings, and sensors for various health metrics, Apple aims to make its devices indispensable for health and wellness tracking.
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mashable.comIn summary, while the Mulberry project may be facing hurdles, Apple's commitment to health technology remains strong.The company is likely to continue exploring innovative solutions to improve user health, even as it recalibrates its approach in light of operational challenges and market competition.
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macworld.commashable.comThe trajectory of Apple's AI-powered health coach service reflects not only the complexities of developing cutting-edge health technology but also the competitive landscape that companies face in the burgeoning health and wellness market.As the company works to adapt and refine its strategy, the future of its health initiatives may still hold promise, albeit in a different form than originally envisioned.
