Apple Health ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key Takeaways
Core Features: Tracks menstrual cycles, symptoms, basal body temperature (with Apple Watch), and fertile window estimates within the Apple Health ecosystem.
Design & Inclusivity: Clean, minimal Apple-style interface; binary gender language persists, but no overtly gendered content.
Data Handling: High standards of privacy, on-device encryption, and strong user control over sharing.
Verdict Summary: Apple’s native tracker offers secure, user-controlled cycle tracking with basic functionality. Strong on privacy, but weaker on in-app education and inclusivity.
Medical Integrity
Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Apple bases its cycle predictions and fertile window estimates on established methods like calendar-based modeling and logged data. However, there is no in-app medical content or guidance, and it is not a clinical tool.
Doctor’s Note:
“Reliable as a basic tracker but lacks depth—Apple could improve this feature by including medically-reviewed content or optional clinical integration.”
Ethical Standards
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Apple does not advertise in the app and does not monetize health data. Consent is clearly outlined, and there’s no third-party selling. However, default language around tracking remains binary.
Doctor’s Note:
“Strong ethical foundation and no commercial bias, though language inclusivity still lags behind best practice.”
Data Privacy & Protection
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apple provides industry-leading data privacy controls, including on-device data encryption, opt-in sharing, and full user control over health data export. No data is used for targeted advertising.
Doctor’s Note:
“Among the most privacy-respecting cycle tracking tools available. An ideal model for handling sensitive health data.”
UX & Accessibility
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Integrated smoothly into the Health app with intuitive inputs, discreet design, and visual cycle representation. Apple’s accessibility features apply, though cycle tracking does not include gender-neutral or inclusive education.
Doctor’s Note:
“Technically accessible and beautifully designed. Could better serve more users with inclusive and educational features.”
Behavioral Impact
Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Apple’s approach is minimal and non-intrusive. There are no nudges, upsells, or engagement loops—users must initiate most interactions, which supports autonomy but may limit engagement for new users.
Doctor’s Note:
“Respectful and non-invasive. A solid choice for privacy-conscious users, but not a strong tool for active cycle learning or symptom awareness.”
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Verdict:
Apple Cycle Tracking offers a secure, ad-free, and easy-to-use tool for logging menstrual cycles and symptoms. It excels in privacy and ethical design but could benefit from educational content, inclusive language, and support for deeper reproductive health learning.
Review Notes
This review reflects the Apple Cycle Tracking feature (within Apple Health) as of 24/06/2025. Updates to functionality or content may change this rating; Apple is encouraged to seek re-evaluation to qualify for a SheRanked Doctor’s Approval Badge.
Reviewed by: Dr Christina Davies, SheRanked Doctor-led Review
Review Date: 24/06/2025
Medical Disclaimer
This review reflects an expert evaluation by a medical doctor, based on the app’s clinical credibility, ethical standards, data protection practices and user safety profile. It is not intended to provide individual medical advice, but rather to assess the app’s integrity and reliability for women’s health use.