Apple is stepping into the forefront of women's health with a significant enhancement to its Health app, focusing on perimenopause. Announced during the recent WWDC 2026 event, this new feature expands the existing cycle tracking capabilities to include support for perimenopause and menopause.
Since launching its cycle tracking feature in 2019, Apple has been committed to improving women's health management through its Apple Watch and iOS platforms. This tracker enables users to log essential details about their menstrual cycles and fertility, empowering women to take control of their health.
The addition of perimenopause support comes at a time when this topic is gaining widespread attention, reflected in discussions on social media and popular daytime shows. This cultural shift presents both a product opportunity and a growing market for digital health solutions. Research published in the journal Menopause highlights that approximately 1.1 billion women worldwide were postmenopausal as of last year, indicating a substantial demographic for targeted health tools.
In a notable example of investment in this sector, Midi Health--a company specializing in perimenopause and menopause care--successfully raised $100 million in a Series D funding round, achieving a valuation of $1 billion.
According to Stacy Ford, Apple's vice president of OS management, the new feature will notify users when their cycle patterns indicate the onset of perimenopause. This functionality not only helps women track their health but also allows them to log symptoms and access educational resources. "Understanding what's happening in your body can prepare you better for conversations with your healthcare provider," Ford noted.
As Apple continues to innovate in women's health, the integration of perimenopause support in its Health app marks a pivotal moment in how technology can enhance health awareness and management for women, potentially transforming their healthcare experience.