iOS 27 could transform Apple's Shortcuts app with AI-powered action creation

iOS 27 could give Apple's Shortcuts app a powerful new capability - 9to5Mac

iOS 27 will be unveiled this June, and a new rumor indicates it could give the Shortcuts app a powerful new capability: creating all-new actions using AI prompts. Reporting indicates that iOS 27 will be heavy on Apple Intelligence upgrades. The most significant of these will no doubt be the new Siri app and related systemwide expansions. But according to MacRumors, as discovered by Nicolás Alvarez, there's also a powerful new Shortcuts feature in the works that ties in with the new Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Tim Hardwick writes: Apple continues to develop a new feature for its Shortcuts app that will let users generate unique actions using Apple Intelligence models, based on backend code discovered by Nicolás Alvarez and confirmed by MacRumors. [...] As part of iOS 26, Apple added Apple Intelligence support to the Shortcuts app, allowing AI models to be incorporated into shortcuts. In contrast, the new version that Apple is working on will let users create actions using Apple Intelligence models - by issuing voice commands in natural language, for example. It's expected that this new capability will tie in with the broader Siri revamp that will apply not just to the new Siri app, but also through systemwide 'Ask Siri' buttons. Thus, if you're using the Shortcuts app in iOS 27, there may be an 'Ask Siri' button that enables you to create new custom actions via a text prompt or voice command. Are you interested in creating custom Shortcuts actions using AI in iOS 27? Let us know in the comments.

iOS 27 Shortcuts App May Write Custom Actions for You Using AI

Apple continues to develop a new feature for its Shortcuts app that will let users generate unique actions using Apple Intelligence models, based on backend code discovered by Nicolás Alvarez and confirmed by MacRumors. For those unfamiliar with the Shortcuts app, the tool lets users create custom workflows or actions - called shortcuts - to perform tasks automatically or with minimal interaction. Actions can include anything from sending messages to controlling smart home devices. The app emerged out of Apple's 2017 acquisition of Workflow, which was rebranded as Shortcuts the following year. As part of iOS 26, Apple added Apple Intelligence support to the Shortcuts app, allowing AI models to be incorporated into shortcuts. In contrast, the new version that Apple is working on will let users create actions using Apple Intelligence models - by issuing voice commands in natural language, for example. Last June, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was working on the AI-driven feature for release in 2025, but he said that delays could see it launch in 2026. For iOS 27, Apple is expected to include a revamped Siri that functions like a genuine conversational chatbot and can interact with apps, so it's likely that the shortcuts generator will be part of its skill set.

iOS 27 and AI could cure the iPhone's worst headache, the terrible shortcuts app

The Shortcuts app on iPhones has never really felt easy to use, and that might be putting it mildly. For something so powerful, it often feels clunky and outdated, almost like it hasn't kept up with the rest of iOS. While everything else on the iPhone has evolved over the years, Shortcuts has mostly stayed the same, and not in a good way. Using it can be frustrating, especially if you're not already familiar with how it works. It's one of those apps that sounds great in theory but feels like a chore in practice. That might finally be about to change. With iOS 27 and Apple's push into AI, there's a real chance Shortcuts could become far more intuitive and actually enjoyable to use, instead of something you avoid unless you absolutely have to. iOS 27 and AI could be exactly what Shortcuts needed Apple seems to be rethinking how the Shortcuts app works, and this time it's leaning heavily on its Apple Intelligence features. Instead of manually building automations step-by-step, the idea is to let you simply say what you want, and have the app figure it out for you. In the version Apple is reportedly working on, you won't need to dig through menus or piece together actions like a puzzle. You could just use natural language, either by typing or speaking. For example, you might say, "Turn on Do Not Disturb when I open Netflix," or "Send a message to my mom when I leave work," and the app would automatically create that shortcut for you. Recommended Videos This could make a big difference for people who've always found Shortcuts a bit overwhelming. Right now, it's powerful, but not exactly beginner-friendly. By bringing AI into the mix, Apple is essentially trying to make automation feel more intuitive and less like a task you have to learn. If it works well, the Shortcuts app could definitely be one of the most useful apps. I'm really looking forward to this, mostly because it finally feels like a chance to move on from how janky the Shortcuts app currently is.