Apple will let you build workflows using AI in its new Shortcuts app

Apple is set to transform how users interact with its Shortcuts app in the upcoming iOS 27 by incorporating advanced AI capabilities. Designed primarily for tech-savvy individuals looking to automate repetitive tasks, the Shortcuts app now introduces a feature that allows users to create workflows simply by describing their intentions in natural language. This innovative update is powered by Apple Intelligence, which interprets user prompts and constructs the necessary steps to achieve the desired automation. "While super powerful, the process of creating these shortcuts can feel, well, complicated," acknowledged Celcia Dantas, Senior Manager of Home Software Product Marketing, during a keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference. The enhanced functionality aims to make the Shortcuts app more user-friendly, empowering those without technical expertise to automate tasks without the hassle of identifying specific app actions or variables. Dantas illustrated the practical application of the new feature by suggesting a scenario where users can set up a shortcut to automatically notify their partner when they leave work, along with an estimated time of arrival home. Rather than navigating complex configurations, users simply need to type their request, and the Shortcuts app will seamlessly integrate the necessary system and app actions. For the “leaving work” scenario, the automation would use a stored address to calculate the ETA via Apple Maps and send a message alert. Additionally, users can modify their shortcuts by describing changes in natural language. For example, after setting the notification, a user could easily adjust the shortcut to include playing their favorite podcast during the commute. This updated version of Shortcuts is expected to launch alongside iOS 27 later this fall.