Apple’s Fitbit Air-rivaling AI health coach is delayed, new report claims (www.techradar.com)

Apple's highly anticipated AI health coach, known internally as "Project Mulberry," has been delayed and is now expected to launch later in the iOS 27 update cycle, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The announcement comes just ahead of the company's WWDC event on June 8, where many had hoped to see this innovative feature showcased. Initially rumored to offer personalized fitness insights and posture monitoring using device cameras, it appears Apple has reduced its scope, opting to integrate the coach's functionalities into existing applications rather than releasing a standalone app. This delay puts Apple at a disadvantage in the competitive health tech market, especially as rivals like Google have already deployed their AI-driven solutions, such as the Google Health Coach featured in the Fitbit Air. Despite the setback with Project Mulberry, there is some optimism for Apple users, as watchOS 27 may introduce enhanced heart-rate tracking features, and updates to the Health app could improve overall user experience. As Apple grapples with these developments, the pressure is on to close the gap with competitors in the increasingly crowded health and wellness space.