Apple watches are displayed at an Apple store in Shanghai, China February 21, 2023.
CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Apple is developing an AI-powered health coach under the codename Quartz, Bloomberg reported.
It will use Apple Watch data to monitor diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, then suggest changes.
While reportedly set to be released next year, the initiative remains unannounced.
The future of wellness is Artificial Intelligence, with an algorithmic coach making customized suggestions for when to exercise and sleep, what snacks to eat — even how to improve your mood.
At least, that’s what the development team at Apple seems to be thinking.
Bloomberg first reported the tech giant’s plan to create an AI-powered health coaching service, currently under development with the codename “Quartz.” It would use data from Apple Watch users to monitor sleep patterns, exercise routines, diet, and emotions, then suggest personalized healthy changes based on the AI’s analysis.
According to Apple employees who were not authorized to speak publicly about the unannounced initiative, the outlet reported, the coaching tool will be rolled out next year if development is completed on time, with an emotion log feature and an unknown aid for nearsightedness to debut later this year.
Representatives for Apple did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
The latest iterations of the Apple Watch already have a heart rate monitor, fertility tracker, and temperature sensor. They can also read blood oxygen levels and have a built-in electrocardiogram app. The devices also can detect falls or crashes and will automatically contact emergency services if the watch wearer doesn’t confirm they’re alright by disabling the alert.
Critics have long argued the devices degrade personal privacy and lead us “one step closer to under-the-skin surveillance, which can read our bodies and emotions,” Wired reported in 2021.
The yet-to-be-announced emotion tool will ask users about their day and allow them to track their mood. Bloomberg reported that additional features will be rolled out later to read users’ moods by analyzing their speech, typed words, and other device data.
Apple is also working to develop the ability to monitor blood pressure and glucose levels directly through the devices, according to the outlet. It remains unclear when these additional features might be released.
The company’s co-founder, Steve Wozniak (who left Apple in 1983), was among over 1,000 industry leaders, including Elon Musk, who signed an open letter calling AI labs to pause development for the next six months to address concerns about risk management. Apple’s current CEO, Tim Cook, was notably absent from among the signatures.