For a while, Bloomberg has reported that Apple has been planning a major Health app redesign with a Health+ subscription, supposedly aiming for a better combo between the Apple Watch, Apple Fitness+, and all the data those apps bring. However, the publication now says that Apple is scaling back its plans, as one of its top executives believed the service wasn’t good enough to become a subscription.
Apple seems to be nixing what was supposed to be important features expected to come with iOS 27. Even though a different publication, Macworld, suggested the company could unveil its plans for the new Health app as soon as iOS 26.4, Apple is reportedly following a different path.
According to Bloomberg, services chief Eddy Cue said Apple’s competitors in the health market have more competing features through its own apps, and that Apple wasn’t delivering anything better than they were. The publication also gave some context about the service, saying it would be used to offer people health-related feedback powered by AI. Besides that, the company reportedly built a studio in California to give health advices through doctors, explain medical conditions, suggest workout plans, and more. Now, it’s unclear where all this investment and future AI coaching will go to.
Apple Fitness+ might get some changes as well
It’s not a sudden change that Eddy Cue seems dissatisfied with Apple Fitness+ in its current state. Apple’s fitness service is one of my favorite parts of the Apple One subscription, but, according to Bloomberg, it’s not driving the revenue as expected; at least, when compared to other Apple services, like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV. Still, the publication only mentions that Apple Fitness+ could undergo some changes.
Just recently, the service announced its largest update in years, as it expanded to more countries and added AI-translated dubs. With that, more people are able to enjoy the service, as reading subtitles while working out might not be the most practical thing to do.
Still, it’s unclear what Apple and Eddy Cue expect from the service. Even competitors like Peloton struggle for so many different reasons, and what makes Apple Fitness+ unique is that Apple can afford this service not making money. However, it does work as “good PR,” has a solid user base, and it could eventually be integrated into the company’s efforts to improve Health features; whether that’s through AI, new sensors on its hardware, or by just helping people close their Apple Watch rings.
