OpenAI has introduced a new Health feature that allows ChatGPT to connect with Apple Health data and supported medical records. The feature aims to help users better understand their health information, identify trends, and prepare for medical appointments. However, it also raises important questions about privacy because users must share sensitive medical information with another company.
Available to logged-in users aged 18 and older across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans, the feature can review laboratory results, summarize changes after doctor visits, and analyze patterns in sleep, exercise, and daily activity. It also supports health records from participating U.S. hospital systems, One Medical, and Function Health.
Useful Features With Privacy Trade-Offs
The new tool could make healthcare information easier to understand. Instead of manually uploading medical documents for every conversation, users can securely connect their records and receive ongoing assistance. OpenAI says more than 300 million people already ask ChatGPT health-related questions each week, making the new integration a natural extension of existing use.
At the same time, connecting health records means OpenAI receives access to highly personal information. Although the company states that connected health data does not train its foundation models or support targeted advertising, users still transfer their medical information outside Apple’s ecosystem. ChatGPT requests permission before accessing connected health data, and OpenAI says synced records are deleted within 30 days after users disconnect the feature. However, previous chat histories remain until users remove those conversations manually.
Apple Takes a Different Privacy Approach
Apple continues to emphasize privacy through its first-party AI architecture. In iOS 27, Siri AI handles many supported personal requests directly on the device. When additional computing power is necessary, Apple uses its Private Cloud Compute system, which sends only the minimum required information to Apple Silicon servers without retaining user data. This design reduces the need to share information with third-party services.
Meanwhile, Apple and OpenAI remain business partners despite an ongoing legal dispute involving alleged trade secret theft. According to the source document, OpenAI denies the allegations, and the legal case remains separate from the Health feature itself.
AI Should Support, Not Replace, Medical Care
OpenAI reports that hundreds of physicians contributed to testing the Health feature using realistic medical scenarios. Internal evaluations show improved performance from GPT-5.6 over GPT-5.5 in health-related assessments. Nevertheless, OpenAI acknowledges that ChatGPT can still make mistakes and that medical records may be incomplete or outdated.
As a result, the Health feature works best as an educational and organizational tool rather than a replacement for professional medical advice. While it can simplify complex records and highlight important changes, users should always verify critical information with qualified healthcare professionals before making medical decisions.
