Don't Underestimate Apple's Shot at On-Device Medical AI


Hi Reader,

There's a rumor that Apple is working on an on-device medical AI. The idea is that your iPhone or Apple Watch could use its onboard silicon to privately analyze your health data and offer recommendations, without sending that sensitive information to the cloud.

The general vibe I'm seeing in response to this rumor is justified skepticism. Plenty of folks out there think there's no way Apple can pull this off, but I think this is exactly the kind of thing they should be doing. This idea presents an opportunity for Apple.

Apple has been steadily building up its health tech for years. With features like Atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, ECG, and Fall Detection, they've proven they can deliver meaningful health tools. And they've done it with an eye toward user privacy and accessible design.

Now, imagine layering a personalized AI model on top of that foundation — something smart enough to notice patterns in your vitals, flag potential concerns, or even offer preventative guidance. And because Apple controls the hardware, they could run that AI model entirely on-device. That means your health data stays private, living only on your phone or watch, not bouncing around in the cloud.

Apple's unique position here — owning both the hardware and the operating system — gives them access to a depth of personal health data that no off-the-shelf Large Language Model could ever touch. Combine that with their Neural Engine and you have a real opportunity to do something both powerful and private.

This also feels like a moment for Apple to make a statement with "Apple Intelligence." So far, Apple’s AI initiative has been underwhelming and disappointing. This could be a way for them to reset expectations with something carefully designed, respectful of privacy, and genuinely useful.

Of course, this only works if they get it right. Rushing something half-baked out the door won't cut it, especially when people’s health (and Apple’s AI reputation) is at stake. But if they take their time and nail the execution, this could be a defining moment for Apple’s AI efforts and one more key feature that saves lives.

I hope the rumor's true and that Apple gives this the time and resources it deserves. It could be something special.

In the News

Leaky Apple Intelligence

There’s been a lot of interesting investigative reporting about how Apple got behind on AI and why Siri is such a mess. The good news is that it looks like they are righting the ship.

The $2,300 iPhone

There’s a rumor that when Apple releases a rumored folding iPhone in 2026, it will cost $2,300. (And that’s not even counting the impact of tariffs.) Don’t get too hung up on that just yet. Rumored Apple pricing (especially this far out) is truly just speculation.

Your pal,
David

Sponsor: Terminology

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Terminology, the intelligent word exploration app that just received its biggest update since 2010. Whether you're a writer, researcher, or language enthusiast, Terminology goes beyond traditional dictionaries to provide a comprehensive reference tool.

What makes Terminology special?

• Built on WordNet's offline dictionary

• Customizable AI prompts for deeper insights

• Enhanced note-taking capabilities

• Multiple term lists

• Seamless integration with online resources

The app has been completely rebuilt in SwiftUI and features an actively maintained word database. For power users, the new Pro tier unlocks custom resources, multiple-term lists, and advanced note-taking features.

Check out Terminology today.

David Sparks (MacSparky)

In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.

Read more from David Sparks (MacSparky)

The Alfred Field Guide has landed! Your Mac at the Speed of Thought. Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE], After six months of rebuilding my entire Alfred setup and recording 80+ HD screencasts and four+ hours of training, the Alfred Field Guide is officially live. Purchase Now with 10% Off What you’ll master Zero‑to‑Hero Setup: Install Alfred, unlock Powerpack features, and master core prefs in minutes. Launch & Search at Mach Speed: Apps, files, snippets, clipboard, system controls—all from...

Hi Reader, Years ago, I encountered a fascinating concept in a book by the Dalai Lama: every seven years, human beings transform into entirely new versions of themselves. This idea stems from the biological principle that our bodies replace virtually all their cells over a seven-year cycle. The person you are today doesn't share a single cell with the version of you from seven years ago. (This is, of course, a generalization as some cells regenerate much faster and others a little slower.)...

Hi Friend, I recently shared my current iPhone home screen over in the MacSparky Labs, and it generated a lot of interesting responses accusing me of both genius and madness. Let me explain… The default tools for managing the iPhone home screen are fine, and I’ve used them for years. But in my never-ending quest for increased intentionality, I started to wonder—what if I took some of the sexiness out of the iPhone home screen? You’ve probably heard about these minimalist or “distraction-free”...