Apple has introduced new mental health features in iOS 17, including the ability to log moods and emotions to help identify depression. The announcement was made at the company's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5, 2023.
The new features are part of the Health app, which already tracks various aspects of physical health, such as activity, heart rate, sleep, and nutrition. With iOS 17, users can also monitor their mental health by logging how they feel each day, using emojis or words to express their emotions.
The app will then use machine learning to analyze the patterns and trends of the user's moods and emotions, and provide insights and suggestions to improve their wellbeing. For example, the app may suggest that the user is more likely to feel happy on days when they exercise, or that they tend to feel sad on Mondays.
The app will also alert the user if it detects signs of depression, such as low mood, lack of interest, or hopelessness. The app will then offer resources and support options, such as contacting a therapist, joining a support group, or accessing online courses.
Apple said that the new Mental Health Features are grounded in science and designed with privacy at the core. The app will not share the user's mood and emotion data with anyone else, unless the user chooses to do so. The app will also use on-device processing and encryption to protect the user's data.
The new mental health features are part of Apple's broader efforts to improve the health and wellness of its customers. At WWDC23, Apple also unveiled new features for its Apple Watch and AirPods, such as Vision Health, which helps prevent myopia by tracking daylight exposure and screen distance; and Focus Mode, which helps users reduce distractions and stay on task.
Apple said that iOS 17 will be available for download in the fall of 2023.
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