Apple is bolstering its already established position in the health and wellness space with a motivational coaching service that will use artificial intelligence to improve exercise, diet and sleep, according to a report.
The service, called Quartz for now, uses artificial intelligence and data collected from the company’s Apple Watch to take care of specific health plans for users, according to a report Tuesday by Bloomberg, which cited people familiar with Apple’s plans. This means that Apple’s artificial intelligence may suggest ways to eat, exercise, or sleep — which, on paper, isn’t too far removed from the robust health data wearables have been providing for years.
Quartz is said to be planned for next year but could still be delayed or cancelled.
An AI health coach would still be a big step for Apple, which has been increasing its health presence with tools for ovulation estimates, sleep tracking, and other health features on the Apple Watch. According to the same Bloomberg report, Apple is also introducing a health app for the iPad in the near future as part of iPadOS 17, which could facilitate the sharing of health information between patient and doctor, which has been one of the areas of focus for Apple’s health arm.
Vision and emotion tracking tools will also be added to the health app this year, Bloomberg said. A sentiment tracker would see users noting their mood each day, answering daily questions and comparing over time. This will be different from the journaling app that Apple is also working on.
On top of that, Apple has also reportedly made progress on a non-invasive glucose monitor, which has been in the works for years, that takes blood sugar measurements using sensors rather than a finger prick. These types of glucose sensors have caused quite a stir in the wellness world, with companies like Abbott apparently capitalizing on similar technology.
Bloomberg reports that the Vision and Emotion tools, along with an update to the iPad Health app, will be announced in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Apple did not immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.