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ZDNET's key takeaways

Apple's developer conference kicks off Monday.
Apple is lagging behind in the AI race.
Its partnership with Google could supercharge its health suite.

After testing Google's screenless Fitbit Air over several weeks, comparisons to premium options like Whoop came up often. Yet the experience shifted my focus toward Apple as the main competitor in this space.

While a screenless tracker from Apple would be welcome, the real priority lies in enhancing its existing health platform, beginning with improved software capabilities.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference begins Monday, and the software updates revealed will appear on upcoming devices. Though it may not be obvious at first, this event could represent a shift for the company, centered on an anticipated Siri overhaul. Here is the reasoning.

Gemini to Drive the Updated Siri Experience

Earlier this year the companies revealed that Google's Gemini will support the upcoming version of Siri. Cross-company software use occurs regularly, yet Apple stands apart. Steve Jobs maintained a closed system for hardware and software with minimal desire to link products to Android or incorporate outside tools.

Now in 2026, AI features have become widespread on Android hardware while Apple has limited options internally. The timing was right for such an agreement.

As ZDNET's health editor, the most compelling aspects involve health and fitness applications that could emerge from this Siri update powered by Google.

Although imperfect, hands-on use of Google's AI Health Coach demonstrated the value of health-focused AI. A chatbot connected to sleep, activity, and stress metrics allows specific questions that factor in personal details and delivers tailored responses.

Beyond that, the way Apple might adapt this technology across its lineup to create a unique feel stands out as an area to watch.

Envisioning an Upgraded Health App with Chatbot Support

A refreshed Health app modeled after Google's updates to its Fitbit and Google Health platforms would be ideal. Apple should leverage the data already gathered via Apple Watch to introduce fresh daily metrics, link details across applications, and offer deeper insights.

Incorporating a health chatbot into the Health app would be straightforward, though Apple must ensure Google's Gemini meets the same privacy, security, and encryption standards as its own tools. This focus on protection is a key reason users choose Apple, and it poses a notable hurdle for the partnership. Will Apple adjust its privacy approach to enable effective AI? Hopefully details emerge when the health AI assistant is presented.

The assistant could bridge apps such as Health, Journal, and the Apple Watch Fitness app to record details automatically rather than requiring manual input. For instance, logging a mood in Journal might allow the AI to tie it to related data from Health, Sleep, or Workout sections.

Building on the Sleep Score introduced in September, further integration of watch data into easy-to-view daily summaries would be valuable. During Fitbit Air and Google Health Premium tests, concise overviews of activity, sleep suggestions, and movement prompts proved helpful.

Apple's emphasis on privacy and evidence-based tools in health could extend to research-supported readiness scores, stress tracking, or an enhanced wellness suggestion system.

Making Data More Engaging and Accessible

The Health app appears to treat interactivity as secondary. This fits its purpose as a utility rather than an entertainment platform, with users typically spending limited time inside it. Still, Oura and Google Health have shown that clearer, interactive data presentation leads to greater engagement with health devices.

Oura excels here through dedicated sections for daily sleep, activity, and stress scores, plus short-term metric aggregates and a long-term health overview covering stress management, sleep quality, and heart metrics.

Success with a health coach and Health app update would strengthen Apple's standing ahead of any new wearable developments.