Apple Health+: A new service with an AI therapist launching in 2026

Apple is preparing to launch a new paid service, Apple Health+, marking a significant step in the field of digital health. According to Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman, the service will debut in 2026 and will include a personal AI coach capable of giving nutritional guidance and health-related advice. This was reported by MacRumors, citing Gurman’s Power On newsletter.

What is Apple Health+?

Apple Health+ is a premium service integrated into the Health app on iPhone and iPad. Its key feature is an AI assistant that functions as a personal trainer and therapist. The artificial intelligence will analyze user data collected from Apple devices (such as the Apple Watch) and offer personalized meal plans, health improvement tips, and medical-related recommendations.

“This artificial intelligence will serve as a personal health coach, offering users personalized meal plans and recommendations related to their medical condition,” Mark Gurman noted.

The service will become part of the Apple ecosystem, strengthening its focus on health and well-being. It will use data on heart rate, activity, sleep, and other metrics to provide accurate and up-to-date recommendations.

Launch Timeline

Gurman initially suggested that AI coaching features might appear in iOS 19.4 (later renamed iOS 26.4). However, according to the latest information, the full launch of Apple Health+ will not take place before iOS 27, meaning sometime in 2026 or later. The delay may be due to the need for further technological refinements or regulatory approval in the digital health sector.

“Initially, Gurman suggested that the AI coaching feature might debut in iOS 19.4 (now known as iOS 26.4). However, he later clarified that the full launch and integration of the service would not take place before iOS 27,” writes MacRumors.

Pricing and Availability

Gurman did not disclose the exact cost of Apple Health+, but given its premium nature, it is expected to follow a monthly or annual subscription model similar to other Apple services (Music, Fitness+, iCloud+). The price will likely be comparable to Apple Fitness+ ($9.99–$12.99 per month). Final details will be announced closer to launch.

The service will be integrated into the Health app, making it accessible to all iPhone and iPad users running the latest iOS version. This will give Apple Health+ the potential to reach millions of users worldwide.

Why It Matters

Apple Health+ will be the company’s first major step into the field of personalized digital healthcare. Unlike existing apps like Health or Fitness+, the new service will not just collect data but will actively provide recommendations based on AI analysis. This puts Apple in direct competition with digital health platforms such as Noom and MyFitnessPal.

However, experts note that Apple will need to clearly distinguish between lifestyle advice and medical recommendations to avoid regulatory issues. “Apple Health+ could become a new standard for digital health, but the company must be careful not to cross the line between wellness advice and medical practice,” Gurman emphasizes.

In Brief…

Apple is preparing to launch Apple Health+ in 2026, offering users a personal AI therapist for nutrition and health guidance. Integrated into the Health app, the service will use data from Apple devices to create tailored plans. According to Mark Gurman, the full launch will not happen before iOS 27, and pricing has not yet been announced. Apple Health+ strengthens the company’s position in digital health but will require careful handling of regulatory and ethical concerns.