Apple Health+: New subscription service could launch in 2026

Apple is apparently planning to launch a new subscription service called Health+ in 2026. This would expand the company's growing services business into another area—this time focusing on health, nutrition, and artificial intelligence. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is already preparing the service internally, having transferred responsibility for health and fitness from Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams to Eddy Cue, head of the Services division.

Apple has built a wide range of subscriptions in recent years—from Apple Music to iCloud+ to Apple Fitness+. Only the health sector has remained largely untouched, even though the Health app and the Apple Watch have long since become central products in many people's everyday lives. The move toward a paid health service was therefore only a matter of time.

Apple Health+: What is known so far

According to rumors, Health+ is more than just an extension of the existing Health app. Apple is reportedly working on a comprehensive health suite that could include an AI doctor, nutrition tracking, and health videos, among other features. These features are to be integrated directly into the Health app, making Apple less dependent on third-party apps.

So far, the Health app has primarily served as a repository for data from the Apple Watch or accessories like smart scales, blood pressure monitors, or water bottles. Manual entry is also possible, but this remains cumbersome. Many users therefore resort to external applications like Foodnoms or Waterminder to more easily record their data.

With Health+, Apple could close this gap. The company reportedly plans to offer more features directly—including automated data collection, personalized recommendations, and analytics powered by Apple's proprietary intelligence technology.

Focus on data protection and integration

A crucial point is likely to be the handling of sensitive health data. Currently, third parties must have access to this information to create analyses and recommendations. This requires trust, but always carries a certain risk. Apple could take a different approach here by processing all data locally on the device. This would significantly improve data protection while simultaneously strengthening control over one's own data.

The use of the new Apple Intelligence features could also mean that health information could be analyzed directly on the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch – without cloud processing. This would allow Apple to consistently implement its data protection commitment in the healthcare sector as well.

Possible integration into Apple One

It's still unclear whether Health+ will be offered as a standalone subscription or as part of Apple One. The latter would be a good option, however, as Apple likes to bundle its services. Health+ could be combined with Fitness+, Music, or iCloud+, for example. The price hasn't been announced yet, but similar health services from other providers cost between $40 and $100 per year.

If Apple chooses a comparable price and integrates Health+ into its existing ecosystem, the service could quickly gain reach – especially because most of the features would be available on existing devices anyway.

Impact on third parties

The launch of Apple Health+ is also likely to have consequences for other health apps. Many of them rely on Apple's data interfaces to offer their own analytics. If Apple now offers similar features itself, it could change the market. Some providers are likely to lose users, while others could focus more on specialized niches.

However, third-party providers are expected to continue to offer advantages—for example, through more detailed analyses, customized programs, or more comprehensive coaching offerings. Apple will likely target a broader audience and offer an easy entry point, while specialized apps will maintain their position through deeper features.

When Health+ could be released

According to current estimates, Apple will introduce Health+ sometime in 2026. It's conceivable that the service will launch alongside the redesigned version of Siri, which is based on a new language model and supports app intents. This would allow Siri to interact seamlessly with Health+, for example, to retrieve health data or provide recommendations.

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Apple Health+: The next big step in the healthcare market

With Health+, Apple could take its healthcare offering to a new level. This would not only enhance the company's existing products—especially the Apple Watch—but also open up a new market that is growing rapidly and offers enormous long-term potential.

Apple Health+ represents the next logical step in Apple's strategy: moving away from pure hardware and toward a comprehensive service ecosystem that connects health, fitness, and artificial intelligence. If the service actually launches in 2026, it should demonstrate how serious Apple is about personal health—and how strong the brand can become in this area as well. (Image: Shutterstock / sdx15)