Apple’s AI-Powered Coaching Service: Will Quartz Be A Personal Trainer In Your Pocket?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a paradigm shift across all sectors, transforming the way people work, communicate, and live. Apple is seizing this opportunity by reportedly developing a paid AI health coaching service, codenamed “Quartz”. Anticipated to launch in 2024, Quartz is expected to deliver tailored nutrition, fitness, and sleep recommendations using data from the Apple Watch.

Apple CEO Tim Cook once said that he believes health will be the company’s “greatest contribution to mankind.” Quartz appears to be one of Apple’s latest ventures to revolutionize personal health management. Last year, they introduced a medication tracking feature and launched their popular Fitness Plus service, offering weekly workout updates. More health features are reportedly in the pipeline, such as a mixed reality headset supporting Fitness Plus, a meditation service, a mood tracker, and a blood glucose monitoring system – although the latter may take some time to materialize.

As AI advances into the realm of health coaching, it’s important to consider the implications of its integration. This article covers the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI-powered health coaches and explores how AI may shape the future of this industry.

The Potential Benefits of AI Health Coaches

1. Increased Accessibility

AI can reduce barriers to health coaching, offering round-the-clock guidance regardless of location or time constraints. It’s like pocketing a personal trainer – there won’t be many excuses for skipping workouts or forgetting to hydrate.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

The price tag of a personal trainer or nutritionist can be a deal-breaker for many people seeking professional health advice. AI health coaches can be a more wallet-friendly alternative. Financial accessibility opens the door to better health outcomes for a wider audience, democratizing wellness and making it more attainable for all.

3. Real-Time Data

Let’s consider a hypothetical example: a human coach could build a tailored workout plan for Sarah, a female triathlete. Her regimen might consist of endurance training, speed training, and strength and conditioning.

But what if Sarah is restless one night, clocking in only five hours of sleep, and can’t resist a late-night fast-food indulgence, compromising her nutritional targets?

An AI health coach has a special advantage. With access to real-time health data, it could swiftly adapt to Sarah’s needs. Instead of pressing Sarah through her strenuous triathlon training the following day, which could backfire on her progress, the AI coach might suggest recovery activities to prioritize her well-being, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain her long-term performance levels.

The Drawbacks Of AI Health Coaches

Although AI can analyze data and provide recommendations, it lacks the ability to understand what makes humans, human – the complex emotions, the beauty and nuances of human experiences, and the empathetic connections that shape lives and relationships.

1. Lack Of Empathy & Personalization

Let’s say it’s Sarah’s birthday, and she can’t wait for her mom’s legendary cake, a family tradition she cherishes every year. A human health coach might recognize the value of these special moments and encourage her to savor a slice, even if it strays from her nutritional goals. An AI health coach, however, is not attuned to the beauty of these human experiences and might prioritize strict adherence to dietary guidelines.

Although AI can analyze data and provide recommendations, it lacks the ability to understand what makes humans, human – the complex emotions, the beauty and nuances of human experiences, and the empathetic connections that shape lives and relationships. An AI health coach has never faced the challenge of pushing its body to the limit, curbing the craving for a sweet treat, or navigating a life-altering event. The lack of human touch might be AI’s biggest shortcoming, hindering the ability to foster a genuinely personalized and emotionally supportive experience.

2. Dependence On Technology

Humans have become increasingly reliant on technology for entertainment, communication, and daily tasks, but could digital dependence on personal health management be crossing a line? Overreliance on technology for health advice and motivation could lead to a diminished sense of self-reliance and personal responsibility for one’s health and well-being.

3. Privacy & Security Concerns

AI health coaching services require access to sensitive health data, raising concerns about privacy and security. While Apple emphasizes that all collected data will remain secure and encrypted, the risk of breaches or unauthorized access remains a concern for many users.

4. Limited Ability To Diagnose

While AI health coaches can provide valuable guidance and support, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Their ability to diagnose health issues or recommend treatments is limited by the scope of algorithms and available data. Users must remember that AI health coaches are meant to complement, not replace, traditional healthcare providers.

Takeaway: What Does AI Mean For The Future Of Health Coaching? 

As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it raises the question: will AI coaches dominate the future of health coaching? 

Human interaction in health coaching is essential, as it brings empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence that machines can’t match. A human health coach can offer comfort and reassurance in ways that AI simply can’t, and their ability to intuitively understand a client’s unique situation remains unrivaled.

Instead of viewing AI as competition, workers can see them as valuable allies in various industries, from human resources to health care to education. For health coaching in particular, AI’s ability to quickly analyze data and provide real-time insights can support the personalized advice given by human health coaches. This collaborative approach allows technology and humanity to work together to empower individuals on their path to better health.