iOS 27: all the new Health and Fitness features

Apple was rumored to be working on an AI health service, but that was abandoned well before the iOS 27 beta was released. This could resurface in the future, but for now, the update contains a handful of health and fitness changes.

Design

Apple has redesigned the Browse section of the Health app and now uses a card-style interface instead of a list. It’s more colorful and easier to see the different categories.

The app also has a single bottom navigation bar that incorporates a search/browse button, instead of a separate search button.

Visual intelligence

Visual Intelligence has a new nutrition feature that can tell you the nutritional value of what you’re eating. You can open the Camera app in the new Siri Mode and take a photo of a food to get feedback.

It doesn’t give the exact number of calories, but it lets you know if a food is heavily processed, contains protein, is high in sugar, etc. It gives foods a nutritional value ranging from very low to very high. The data isn’t synced with the Health app, but it’s still useful.

‌Visual Intelligence‌ requires iPhone 15 Pro or later.

Cycle tracking

Cycle monitoring extends to the management of perimenopause/menopause. The Health app now sends notifications when recorded cycle patterns suggest perimenopause.

The feature uses long-term cycle data to report the perimenopausal hormonal transition that can begin a decade or more before menopause. Cycle deviation alerts are based on the user’s recorded cycle history and are intended for users aged 40 and over.

Users can track symptoms and access educational resources offering advice and support.

Apple also added new Fitness+ workouts for perimenopause and menopause.

Faster data updates

Data syncs with the Health app faster than before thanks to performance improvements implemented by Apple.

Child safety

There are several new child safety features that give parents more control over the content their children see. Apple includes research-based tips from health experts to help parents make decisions about managing their children’s accounts.

Route and distance accuracy

The route maps that populate the Fitness app after workouts are more accurate in ‌iOS 27‌. During treadmill workouts, distance is also reflected more accurately than before.

Number of steps

Step counts will be synced between the Health and Fitness apps.

Gym kit

GymKit has expanded to the iPhone, which can be paired with treadmills, indoor bikes and other exercise equipment for data syncing. GymKit was previously a feature of the Apple Watch, but now iPhone users will no longer need a watch to use it.

GymKit can sync calories, distance, speed, incline and pace.

Launch date

‌iOS 27‌ is available to developers, with a public beta planned for July. It will be launched to the public this fall.