Apple is expected to enhance heart-rate tracking capabilities with the upcoming watchOS 27, focusing on stability and performance improvements rather than major new features. Although details remain sparse, this update aims to refine existing functionalities, potentially linking it to the company's anticipated AI health coach project, known as Project Mulberry.
The health coach initiative, which aims to offer personalized insights based on user data, has faced delays. Initially slated for release alongside a redesigned Health app in iOS 26.4, it has been pushed to iOS 27 following a strategic shift within Apple’s health division under Cue’s leadership. Reports suggest that the launch of the AI coach and related features may not occur until later in the iOS 27 cycle, with possible timelines extending to iOS 27.1 in October or iOS 27.4 by next spring.
Despite the setbacks, the redesigned Health app is still anticipated to debut with iOS 27, although the full capabilities of the AI health coach may be significantly delayed as Apple reassesses its competitiveness in the health subscription market.