Apple plans Google Cast support and AI Health Coach for iOS 27

Apple is reportedly planning iOS 27 upgrades featuring an AI-powered health coach, improved Apple Watch heart-rate tracking, smarter Genmoji tools and possible EU-only support for third-party streaming options like Google Cast under new regulations.

Apple is reportedly working on a broad set of upgrades for iOS 27 and watchOS 27, with a stronger focus on health features, artificial intelligence tools, and ecosystem flexibility, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple is planning to improve Apple Watch heart-rate tracking in watchOS 27. The enhancements are expected to prioritise accuracy, stability, and performance improvements rather than introducing major new features. These refinements are also expected to support Apple’s upcoming AI-driven health initiatives.

The company is believed to be taking a more cautious approach in this release cycle, focusing on reliability and user experience across its health ecosystem.

AI Health Coach in development

A key highlight of the upcoming updates is Project Mulberry, an AI-powered health coaching system designed to offer personalised insights using Apple Health data. The feature is expected to analyse user activity and may even use camera input to provide real-time guidance during workouts.

Originally expected earlier, the project has already faced delays. It was first pushed to iOS 26.4 and later moved to iOS 27. The latest report suggests it could be delayed further within the release cycle as Apple continues refining the product.

While a redesigned Health app is still expected to arrive with iOS 27, the AI health coach may be introduced later. The delay is reportedly linked to Apple’s internal review process, with the company aiming to ensure the feature meets its quality standards before launch.

Smarter AI tools and image features

Apple is also expected to upgrade its AI-based creative tools, including Genmoji and Image Playground. These improvements may bring better image quality and more context-aware generation, potentially using information from a user’s photo library.

Currently, these tools rely mainly on on-device processing, which can limit output quality compared to cloud-based systems. It is not yet clear whether Apple will introduce hybrid processing or continue focusing on on-device AI for these features.

The company is also reportedly exploring broader support for third-party AI image-generation models, expanding beyond its current integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Google Cast support may arrive in EU

Another major potential change involves streaming technology. Apple is reportedly considering allowing third-party protocols like Google Cast to replace AirPlay at a system level in the European Union, in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

If implemented, this change would likely be limited to EU markets, similar to other regulatory-driven adjustments Apple has made in the region. Google Cast could enable wider compatibility between iPhones and smart devices such as speakers and TVs without relying solely on AirPlay.

While still under consideration, this shift could represent a notable change in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem, particularly in regions with stricter digital competition rules.