Apple to Boost Heart-Rate Tracking, AI Health Coach Delayed
Apple is reportedly preparing meaningful health-focused upgrades for watchOS 27, with improved heart-rate tracking expected to be one of the headline features when the software is unveiled at WWDC 2026.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Apple is prioritizing refinements to existing health and fitness capabilities instead of introducing major flashy features this year.
One of the key rumored upgrades is enhanced heart-rate tracking for Apple Watches. While Gurman did not reveal specific technical improvements, Apple’s current sensors already perform strongly against competitors. In a recent comparison by PCMag, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 reportedly delivered heart-rate readings similar to the Whoop 5.0 fitness tracker.
The report also sheds new light on Apple’s long-rumored AI-powered health coach. Internally known as “Project Mulberry,” the feature was initially expected to launch in 2025 as part of a revamped Health app and a potential Health+ subscription service.
The AI coach was rumored to provide personalized health insights and educational videos. For example, if an Apple Watch detected signs of a possible heart-related issue, the Health app could display a video explaining potential risks and next steps.
However, the project was reportedly scaled back after Apple services chief Eddy Cue took over the company’s health and fitness division last year. Gurman claims Cue believed competitors like Oura and Whoop currently offer stronger AI-driven wellness experiences.
Instead of a full standalone launch, Apple may gradually introduce select AI health coaching tools into the Health app over time. Gurman now expects some of these features to arrive later in the iOS 27 update cycle rather than at launch.
Apple is expected to officially announce watchOS 27 during Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in the coming weeks.
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