With every iOS update, Apple quietly adds powerful health-tracking features that most users never explore. iOS 18, released in 2025, is no exception — and some of its most impactful tools are hidden in plain sight inside the Health app.
Whether you’re focused on fitness, mental clarity, or overall wellness, these 5 underrated Apple Health tools could seriously upgrade your daily habits.
Let’s explore the hidden gems in iOS 18 Apple Health that can give you insights, reminders, and even predictive health alerts.
🧠 1. State of Mind Tracking (Mood Logging)
Apple added mood logging in iOS 17 — but in iOS 18, it’s been greatly enhanced.
Why It’s Powerful:
- You can now log mood changes multiple times per day
- Visual trends over time connect mood to sleep, screen time, and exercise
- New AI-generated weekly summaries point out emotional patterns
💡 Bonus: It integrates with the Mindfulness app on Apple Watch for passive logging via heart rate variability (HRV) patterns.
📲 How to Find It:
Health App → Mental Wellbeing → State of Mind
💊 2. Medication Interaction Warnings
In iOS 18, the Medications feature now checks for drug interactions in real-time — even when logging over-the-counter supplements.
Example:
If you log Ibuprofen + a prescription blood thinner, Apple Health will issue a gentle warning.
Also new:
- Refill reminders based on intake history
- Shared medication lists for family caregivers via Family Sharing
📲 Health App → Medications → Add New → Search Drug Name
👉 Want to track supplements? Add vitamin or nootropic names manually for trend syncing.
🩺 3. Cycle Deviation Alerts (for Women’s Health)
iOS 18 quietly launched “cycle deviation” alerts, powered by Health’s menstrual cycle logging.
Why It’s Unique:
- Uses machine learning to spot abnormal patterns (e.g., missed periods, irregular spotting)
- Can flag possible signs of PCOS, thyroid issues, or early perimenopause
- Suggests follow-up with a doctor if red flags appear over 2–3 cycles
Apple is now partnering with clinics in the U.S. to expand this tool’s accuracy.
📲 Health App → Cycle Tracking → Trends → Deviation Alerts
💤 4. Sleep Stage Accuracy Boost with Apple Watch
Sleep tracking isn’t new — but iOS 18 + watchOS 11 now give you deeper insights using machine learning on your HRV, wrist temperature, and respiratory rate.
New in iOS 18:
- Snore detection via AirPods (if worn to bed)
- Sleep stages now show heart rate dips, linked to cardiovascular risk
- “Sleep Charge” score — similar to Whoop or Fitbit — is in beta testing
📲 Health App → Sleep → Full Schedule & Options → Advanced Metrics
👉 Tip: Combine with Night Shift + Wind Down shortcuts to trigger automations.
🔋 5. Walking Steadiness Score + Fall Risk Prediction
Originally introduced quietly in iOS 15, this feature has been radically improved in iOS 18.
Now, Apple uses:
- Balance shifts from accelerometer
- Step asymmetry
- Double support time
To generate a fall risk score, especially for users over 55 or those with previous injuries.
New in 2025:
- Real-time fall risk alerts for Apple Watch Ultra 2 users
- Coaching-style suggestions to improve gait symmetry and lower-body strength
📲 Health App → Mobility → Walking Steadiness
💡 Even younger users can track it — great for runners or post-rehab monitoring.
🔁 Bonus: Sync with Third-Party Devices
iOS 18 now supports even more integrations natively, including:
- Withings smart scales
- Oura Ring
- Levels CGM (via API)
- Tonal or Tempo smart home gyms
These sync directly into Apple Health, giving you a single source of truth for biofeedback data.
⚡ Pro Tips to Maximize Apple Health (2025)
- Set up Health Checklist to enable fall detection, emergency contacts, and trend monitoring
- Use Shortcuts app to automate mood check-ins or hydration reminders
- Export a PDF health report to bring to doctor visits
📱 Related Guides
- 👉 Fix HomeKit Not Responding After iOS 18 Update
- 👉 Is the 30-30-30 Rule Legit for Weight Loss?
- 👉 [Best Sleep Accessories for iPhone Users in 2025 – Coming Soon]
🧾 Final Verdict: Why These Hidden Health Features Matter
Apple Health in iOS 18 is no longer just a passive data logger. With the addition of smart tracking, AI insights, and preventive alerts, it’s fast becoming a proactive health tool.
By unlocking these less obvious features, you gain control over:
- Mental wellbeing
- Hormonal trends
- Sleep quality
- Mobility and fall risk
- Medication safety
Start using just one or two, and you’ll begin to notice trends that change how you approach health every day.
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