We already knew that artificial intelligence is changing everything. We are also aware that its capabilities go far beyond the functions we are currently giving it. And a proof of this is the patent that will turn Apple Intelligence into a musical therapist.
A customized list, a listening pattern, and very specific feedback on our response
Apple seeks to take another step forward in the field of mental health: personalized music therapy. According to one of the latest patents registered by the company (via The Mac Observer), Apple is studying the launch of a service that will generate and curate music specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and other mental ailments. Something, it must be said, that few expected when we heard the first rumors that Apple’s AI would be integrated into Apple Music.
In fact, the patent does not specify whether this functionality will be integrated directly into Apple Music or will be released as a standalone application, but it does make it clear that Apple’s artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in analyzing our data to generate personalized therapeutic playlists. The system will work very similarly to the mental health questionnaires already found in the Health app on our iPhone or iPad.
With them, the system can evaluate the probabilities of experiencing anxiety and depression. Then, this data can be crossed with Apple Music metadata to create a playlist tailored to the current needs.
The patent, to make matters worse, tells us that the application will not only be limited to creating playlists, but will also design complete therapeutic programs, including scheduled sessions at certain times and recommended listening durations.
Going further, the patent explores the possibility of using real-time biometric data obtained through the Apple Watch, such as heart rate, to personalize therapy even more and examine our response to listening.
The proposed interface in the patent will also include a system for tracking statistics of therapy sessions, which will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments as necessary. An extremely comprehensive and truly interesting approach that, in fact, has all the necessary infrastructure already present in the system. The Health app, in the mental health section, already has the questionnaires. The breathing and meditation app on the Apple Watch also provides us with access to data and context for notifications, alerts, and control of listening.
As always, patents don’t have to become a finished product, but this one has more potential than usual. The presence of so many necessary elements already in the operating system, as well as the focus on mental health that Apple has been taking for some years now, is something we cannot overlook.
Just like Mail will never be the same app and Apple Intelligence will completely change the Diario app, with Apple’s personalized music therapy, we are on the threshold of a moment where artificial intelligence is capable of understanding our needs and proactively acting to improve our quality of life. Apple Intelligence as a therapist.
