With iOS 26, Apple is expected to introduce several visible innovations—such as a new design and new apps. However, two planned features will not appear as originally expected. According to a report by Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg journalist with strong Apple connections, Apple is postponing both the redesigned Calendar app and the new version of the Health app until iOS 27. The reason for this is apparently that both features are not yet fully developed.
Apple often announces innovations with great confidence, but focuses on quality over speed when it comes to implementation. Artificial intelligence features, in particular, need to run smoothly before they're released. The delay that has now come to light affects two key apps that are expected to work significantly smarter in the future. These involve personal organization and health features—topics that are important to many users.
Calendar app coming later – with AI in the background
According to Gurman , Apple is planning a comprehensively redesigned Calendar app. He didn't provide details on the specific changes. However, there is one clear indication: In April 2024, Apple acquired the startup Mayday Labs . Their app combined calendar, task management, and scheduling into one tool that relied heavily on AI. The app's features included:
- Automatic scheduling of appointments and tasks at optimal times
- learning algorithms that recognize preferences and daily routines
- Coordination of availability of several people for joint appointments
- Automatic postponement of appointments in case of conflicts
According to Mayday's website at the time, the app worked particularly well in teams or groups because it could automatically compare available time slots and suggest appointments. After the acquisition, the app was discontinued—a typical practice when Apple wants to further develop technologies internally. It's likely that many of these features will appear in Apple's Calendar app in the future. It's also possible that they will be bundled under the "Apple Intelligence" concept. When exactly that will happen is unclear, but according to Gurman, it's not expected until iOS 27 at the earliest.
Health app with AI coach also postponed
There are also delays with the Health app. According to Gurman, an AI-powered health coach is planned, which will provide personalized recommendations based on previously collected health data. The feature was originally scheduled to appear in iOS 26.4, but is now expected to arrive in iOS 27. Specifically, the new coaching feature will:
- provide personalized health tips on nutrition, exercise, sleep and more
- adapt to the user and learn over time
- Access data from the Health app in real time, such as activity or vital signs
The introduction of such a digital health assistant would further strengthen Apple's role in the field of digital health. This opens up many potential applications, especially in conjunction with the Apple Watch. Apple's decision to delay this suggests that the feature is complex and places high demands on data protection, accuracy, and user-friendliness.
Calendar and Health: Wait until iOS 27
While some new features are expected with iOS 26, two major updates have been postponed. According to current information, both the AI-powered Calendar app and the Health app's new coaching feature aren't scheduled to arrive until iOS 27. Apple likely needs more time for development. The planned features are extensive and based on technologies that could significantly improve the user experience—especially in everyday life and when it comes to health. Those hoping for smart automation and personalized recommendations will have to wait another year. (Image: Shutterstock / Emils Vanags)
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