With iOS 26.4, Apple is once again generating discussion in the areas of health and artificial intelligence. The first developer beta contains code references that suggest a possible "Health Coaching" feature. This is noteworthy because recent reports indicated that Apple had scaled back or even abandoned its originally planned "Apple Health+" project. These new findings suggest that the topic is not entirely closed.
For years, Apple has been systematically expanding its health ecosystem. The Health app collects data on activity, heart rate, sleep, workouts, and other health metrics. Combined with the Apple Watch, this creates a comprehensive database suitable for personalized analysis.
Last fall, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported that Apple was working on a paid subscription service called "Health+". A key component would be an AI-based health coach that would provide personalized recommendations based on the collected data.
However, Gurman recently reported that Apple had scaled back its original plans in this form. Parts of the project may have been canceled, while others might be integrated into the existing Health app. Against this backdrop, the current hints in iOS 26.4 seem particularly interesting.
References to "Health Coaching" and "Health Plans" in iOS 26.4
The first developer beta of iOS 26.4, released this week, contains several references to "Health Coaching" and "Health Plans" in its system code (via MacWorld). These features are currently not visible to users. There are no menu items, switches, or options to activate.
Nevertheless, the terminology is striking. The terms strongly align with previous reports that Apple is working on an AI-powered health subscription service. The code strings suggest that corresponding structures have been implemented or prepared, at least at the framework level.
An internal version of iOS 26, which Macworld was able to review, also contained references to an updated Health app. This supports the assumption that Apple has been working on expanded health features.
Has Apple Health+ really been discontinued?
Mark Gurman initially reported that Apple was planning a paid service with an integrated AI health coach. This would use data from the Health app and the Apple Watch to provide personalized recommendations.
Later, information emerged that Apple had scaled back the rollout in its originally planned form. It's possible that key components were removed. It's also conceivable that individual features won't appear as a standalone service but will instead be integrated directly into the existing Health app. The code references in iOS 26.4 now raise the question of whether the project has truly been abandoned.
Two possible explanations for the code findings
There are two plausible scenarios for the discovery in iOS 26.4.
- Remnants of a discarded project: Apple regularly tests new features internally. Not all of them make it into a final version. It's therefore possible that the terms "Health Coaching" and "Health Plans" are simply remnants of a project that has since been discontinued. Such traces occasionally remain in early beta versions.
- Postponement rather than cancellation: It's equally likely that Apple hasn't completely abandoned the idea, but merely postponed it. The company is working on other major initiatives in parallel, including new AI features and the further development of Siri as part of iOS 26.
The fact that these terms still appear in the code suggests that at least part of the underlying technology has been further developed. It's conceivable that the feature wasn't completed in time for iOS 26 and is now being postponed to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27.
Apple Intelligence meets health data
Regardless of its current status, an AI-powered health coach makes strategic sense. Health data is one of the most important differentiators in the Apple ecosystem. The combination of iPhone, Health app, and Apple Watch continuously provides data that can be used for personalized recommendations.
An AI-based coach could adjust training plans, provide recovery tips, or detect changes in vital signs. Combined with Apple's focus on in-device AI processing and Apple Intelligence, such a service would be a logical extension.
Whether "Health Coaching" will ultimately be released as a paid subscription, provided as an integrated feature, or come in another form, is currently undecided.
iOS 26.4 provides clear clues about Apple's AI health project
iOS 26.4 doesn't deliver any visible new health service, but it does provide clues. The code references for "Health Coaching" and "Health Plans" confirm that the AI health coach project was real at one point.
Whether Apple Health+ will appear in its original form or become part of the existing Health app in a modified version remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: development behind the scenes is not yet complete. iOS 26.4 shows that AI-powered health guidance continues to play a role at Apple. (Image: Apple)
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