Apple Unveils AI-Powered Health Features

Apple has unveiled a major expansion of its health and fitness technology, combining Apple Intelligence with new sensing capabilities in the Apple Watch and a redesigned Health app. The company announced the new features on September 9, 2026, alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. Apple says the update is designed to turn complex health and fitness data into clearer, more personalised insights while keeping users’ health information private and under their control.

At the centre of the update is a new Health Sensing System that Apple says provides its most accurate heart-rate sensing in a wearable. The new watches can measure heart rate every five seconds throughout the day, while heart-rate variability can be measured as frequently as every five minutes. Apple is also introducing a new Readiness experience that uses health information to help users understand factors affecting their daily physical state and recovery.

The redesigned Health app brings Apple Intelligence directly into the health experience. A new Insights tab will provide changing summaries covering areas such as heart health, sleep, fitness, readiness, vital signs and cycle tracking. Another section, called Longevity, will analyse longer-term health information and introduce a “Health Age” feature that compares certain health metrics with a user’s chronological age. The system can draw information from compatible Apple devices and, where available, health records and third-party sources.

Apple is also introducing AI-assisted movement evaluations that allow users to assess areas such as flexibility, balance, strength, movement mechanics and VO₂ max using an iPhone camera and Apple Watch. Apple says the assessment runs on the device and does not record, store or share video. The company is additionally expanding health education through personalised articles and videos designed to explain health information in a more understandable way.

The announcement represents a broader shift in Apple’s strategy toward using artificial intelligence to make its health ecosystem more proactive and personalised. The redesigned Health app is expected later in 2026, initially in U.S. English, while some features will depend on compatible devices, regions and age requirements. Apple’s emphasis on on-device processing and privacy also reflects the company’s wider approach to AI, which was highlighted during its latest product event.