Apple, Please Don’t Ruin the Health App by Simply Adding a Siri Button—Here’s Why This Could Be a Game-Changer (or a Disaster).
Commentary: Apple’s next move in health tech could redefine the user experience on the Apple Watch and iPhone—for better or worse. Let’s dive into why this matters.
By Vanessa Hand Orellana, Lead Writer at CNET
Vanessa specializes in reviewing smartwatches, fitness trackers, and consumer tech. With a background in on-camera reporting and video production for CNET’s Spanish and English platforms, she brings a unique perspective to tech journalism. When not testing gadgets, she’s likely hiking or trail running with her family.
Expertise: Consumer Technology, Smart Home, Family, Apps, Wearables
6-Minute Read
Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a revamped Health app next year, potentially alongside Siri’s long-awaited upgrade. This could finally make the Apple Watch feel truly hands-free, with Siri seamlessly integrated into daily health tracking. But here’s where it gets controversial: Apple’s biggest challenge won’t be adding features—it’ll be striking the right balance. One misstep, and this update could do more harm than good.
As someone who’s closely followed the AI health coach trend, I’m conflicted. Does Apple really need to jump on this bandwagon? In its rush to compete with the likes of Google, it risks losing what’s always set it apart: privacy and simplicity. Apple’s next move could define its role in the AI health race, and I sincerely hope it’s more than just a Siri button tacked onto the Health app.
And this is the part most people miss: Last week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple might be finalizing a billion-dollar deal with Google to integrate a custom version of Gemini AI into Siri. With top AI talent defecting to Meta and other competitors, building its own system may no longer be feasible. Partnering with Google is a risky bet, but Apple knows it must either keep pace or risk falling behind.
Multiple reports, including Gurman’s, suggest Apple is also working on a redesigned Health app under the code name Project Mulberry. The rumored "Health Plus" service would lean heavily on AI—and possibly the new Siri—to create a unified health experience. It aims to transform the flood of biometric data from Apple Watch and other devices into actionable insights, similar to Google’s new Coach feature on the Fitbit app.
Apple is at a critical juncture with AI, one that could shape its health ambitions for years. On one hand, it needs to prove to investors it can compete with rivals like Fitbit (Google), Oura, and others offering AI-driven health chatbots. On the other hand, none of these early efforts have proven indispensable. Apple’s execution and timing could make or break consumer trust in the brand.
The AI Health Landscape: A Double-Edged Sword
AI is no longer just a background player—it’s taking center stage. Previously, it powered passive alerts like irregular heart-rate notifications or auto-detected workouts. Now, it’s poised for direct interaction via voice commands on phones and watches.
Android phones already have Gemini integrated, with Google Lens analyzing the world around users. Apple, meanwhile, has relied on ChatGPT for some iPhone features. Google recently brought Gemini to Wear OS watches, adding natural language capabilities. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, sued OpenAI in April for alleged copyright infringement in AI training.)
In health tech, the holy grail seems to be a one-stop wellness concierge that consolidates device data into actionable feedback. Google’s Fitbit app redesign, launched in October, features Gemini-powered Fitbit Coach (still in beta), offering personalized training, diet plans, and sleep schedules. Oura’s "Advisor" and Garmin’s AI coaches promise similar guidance. Even Meta’s AI-powered Oakley glasses aim to coach users in real time.
But here’s the catch: It’s too early to tell if these AI coaches will deliver. Fitbit’s feature is months from prime time, and others are barely out of beta. After testing several, I can say this: they’ll need to prove real value before users trust them with health data.
Apple’s Calculated Approach to AI
Apple hasn’t been idle on AI—it’s been strategic. Some of the Watch’s most impactful health features, like irregular heart-rate alerts and fall detection, use AI and have been life-changing for users. The key? These features work in the background, surfacing only when needed. That simplicity is their strength, and adding an interactive AI component could complicate things. Anyone who’s used a chatbot knows phrasing matters—a wrong question can lead to useless or misleading answers.
With WatchOS 26 and Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones, Apple introduced an AI-powered Workout Buddy. While it’s more cheerleader than coach, it hints at Apple’s potential direction for a full-fledged health coach. As a busy mom of three, I initially doubted its value. But after testing it, I saw potential. Its spontaneous, unscripted feedback felt natural, unlike the robotic prompts on other devices. If this is Apple’s vision for a "Health Siri," it might just win me over.
The Tightrope Apple Must Walk
Apple’s AI journey is a delicate balance. Move too slowly, and it risks falling behind; move too quickly, and it could stumble. Privacy is the biggest concern—not just for Apple, but for the entire industry. Sharing health data with AI models raises serious HIPAA concerns. The disclaimers for Meta’s Oakley glasses gave me pause, and the thought of my Garmin data training AI models would be a deal breaker if not for my job.
Apple’s commitment to privacy and on-device processing is why I trust its Health app with my hospital records. Would I want that data training future models? No. Would I trust a Gemini-based Siri with it? I’m not sure. Apple would need to make a strong case for that.
For Apple’s Health Plus to succeed, a simple Siri button won’t cut it. To stand out, Apple should double down on what it does best: making meaningful connections users didn’t know they needed. Instead of relying on users to craft prompts, why not have the coach proactively flag insights? And most importantly, build privacy safeguards before touching health records. That’s the only AI coach I’d trust.
Thought-Provoking Question: As AI becomes more integrated into health tech, where should companies draw the line between innovation and privacy? Would you trust an AI coach with your health data, or is that a step too far? Let’s debate in the comments!
