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Key takeaways from ZDNET
- Apple’s developer conference begins Monday.
- Apple currently trails in the AI competition.
- Its collaboration with Google may significantly enhance its health platform.
I’ve been using Google’s screenless Fitbit Air health tracker for several weeks now. While many draw comparisons with the premium Whoop band, testing this device actually got me thinking more about Apple—its strongest competitor.
Although I wouldn’t mind Apple releasing its own screen-free tracker, what I’m really hoping for is a major overhaul of its health suite—and that needs to start with better software.
Also: Whoop vs. Fitbit Air: I used both fitness trackers—and one came out on top
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference starts Monday, and the new software introduced there will appear on upcoming Apple devices. It may not look like it at first, but WWDC could be a game-changing moment for the company, largely thanks to a rumored major upgrade to Siri. Here’s why.
Google Gemini will power the new Siri
Earlier this year, Apple and Google announced that the next version of Siri will be built on Google’s Gemini AI. While it’s common for companies to integrate each other’s technology, Apple isn’t just any company. Steve Jobs famously kept Apple’s ecosystem tightly closed, avoiding integration with Android or inclusion of Google services.
But times have changed. In 2026, AI is everywhere on Android devices, and Apple has struggled to keep up. So partnering with Google was bound to happen.
As ZDNET’s health editor, I’m especially excited about what this Gemini-powered Siri could mean for health and fitness.
From my experience using Google’s experimental AI Health Coach, I can say that AI in wellness is genuinely useful. Simply having a chatbot connected to my sleep, activity, and stress data lets me ask personalized questions based on my health—and get tailored answers and tips.
Also: I tracked 3,000 steps on my Apple Watch, Google Pixel, and Oura Ring—one was clearly the most precise
I’m also curious to see how Apple will integrate this tech into its devices in a way that stands out from the competition.
A revamped Health app (and a smart chatbot) would be perfect
I’d love to see Apple completely redesign its Health app—similar to how Google transformed Fitbit into its current Google Health app. It’s time Apple did something meaningful with all the data it already collects from the Apple Watch—turning it into fresh daily insights, linking info across apps, or offering smarter recommendations.
Adding a health-focused chatbot to the Health app would be straightforward—but only if Apple ensures that Google’s Gemini operates with the same level of privacy, security, and encryption users expect from Apple. That’s a huge reason many people choose Apple over Android, and it presents a real challenge: Will Apple compromise on its privacy standards to bring AI into its ecosystem? I hope Apple addresses this openly when it introduces its rumored health AI assistant.
Also: Oura Ring 5 vs. Oura Ring 4: I tested both smart rings closely—and the difference is minimal
This AI assistant could automatically sync information across apps like Health, Journal, and the Fitness app—no manual entry needed. For example, if you log your mood in the Journal app, the AI could connect that feeling to your sleep, heart rate, or workout data from other apps.
Since Apple launched its Sleep Score feature in September, I’d also love to see deeper integration of smartwatch data into daily summaries. While using the Fitbit Air with Google Health Premium, I really appreciated seeing a quick overview of my day—like activity highlights, ideal bedtime suggestions, and reminders to stay active.
Apple has always prioritized privacy and science-backed tools in health. I’d welcome a readiness score, improved stress tracking, or a more powerful wellness guidance system—all built on solid research.
Make health data easier to explore
Apple’s Health app wasn’t designed to be highly interactive—and that makes sense. It’s not a game or streaming service; users shouldn’t need to spend ages navigating it. But apps from Oura and Google have shown that when health data is presented clearly and interactively, people actually engage more with their devices.
Also: I wore the Oura Ring 5 for just one day—and it already solved my biggest complaint about the Ring 4
Oura excels here with separate tabs for sleep, activity, and stress; a summary view of key short-term metrics; and a long-term wellness dashboard covering heart health, sleep quality, and stress resilience.
If Apple gets its health coach and Health app refresh right, it’ll be in a strong position for whatever next-gen wearable it launches in the future.
