Apple is transforming the way users interact with their devices, especially with the arrival of iOS 27, which promises to demystify the previously complex Shortcuts app. The integration of Apple’s Artificial Intelligence (Apple Intelligence) allows the creation of automations to become intuitive, using commands in natural language and making them accessible to a much wider audience, who previously felt intimidated by their complexity.
The revolution in creating automation
One of the pillars of this transformation is the new “Describe a Shortcut” functionality, which drastically simplifies the process of developing custom workflows.
When selecting the option for a new shortcut within the app, iOS 27 users will immediately be taken to an interface optimized for the command description.
On this new screen, a text box invites the user to detail what they want the shortcut to do, accepting descriptions in common language. You can start with a single action or add multiple criteria.
Apple’s Artificial Intelligence, working behind the scenes, is responsible for interpreting the instructions provided, selecting the relevant actions, developing the necessary automations and integrating all components into a fully functional shortcut.
The possibilities for automation are vast, ranging from daily routines to interactions with applications and connected devices, as illustrated by the following examples:
- Set nighttime alarms based on calendar appointments, turn on Sleep Focus, and adjust bedroom lighting.
- View morning information such as the first meeting, weather forecast and pending reminders.
- Turn on outside lights when you receive notification that a food delivery is on its way during the night.
- Notify a partner of estimated arrival time when leaving work and start a podcast.
- Receive a summary of the day’s meetings and tasks, with priority suggestions for upcoming activities.
- Disable orientation lock when opening YouTube and reactivate it when closing the app.
- Get a concise summary of the day’s top tech news.
Automations and shortcuts can be activated by a variety of triggers, including specific times, geographic location, in-app actions, system functionality (such as screenshots), or receiving notifications.
These tools allow you to perform a wide range of tasks, from accessing internal operating system functionalities to opening and controlling other applications.
Enhancing your creations with intuitive adjustments
After instructing you to create a shortcut, the app will present a detailed description of the actions it will perform. If the result is in line with what you expected, just tap “Play” to test it and add it to your personal library.
If the generated shortcut does not completely meet your expectations or if there is a need to add more functionality, the “Describe a change” interface allows you to refine the command. Users can enter desired modifications and repeat the adjustment process until they achieve the ideal result.
Shortcuts created can be activated in a variety of ways, including through Siri, directly in the Shortcuts app, through Control Center, or using the Action Button.
Flexibility in manual editing for precise adjustments
After creating a shortcut, a manual editing interface is available for those looking to add more complex actions or perform fine adjustments without the intervention of Apple’s Artificial Intelligence.
It’s important to note that the AI-powered version of the Shortcuts app is still in beta and may not always be perfect, which makes manual editing an essential tool for achieving the exact result in certain situations.
Additionally, any existing shortcuts can be opened and edited using Apple Intelligence mode, providing another avenue for modifications.
Expanded automation triggers in the system
The new version of the Shortcuts application introduces a series of new triggers for automations, increasing the possibilities for customizing the workflow. Among them are:
- Upon receiving a specific notification.
- When a screenshot is taken.
- When connecting an external keyboard.
- By starting a workout on your Apple Watch.
New features added to shortcut actions
The Shortcuts application also receives several new actions that expand its capabilities, allowing deeper interactions with other applications and system functionalities:
- Automate recordings in the Notes app.
- Send messages to group conversations.
- Get contextual information from the screen (text, title or links) with improved “Get what’s on screen” option.
- Select an item from a list.
- Delete conversations or messages within the Messages app.
- Mark messages as read.
- Perform searches in the Messages app.
- Open the message inbox.
- Send “Tapback” reactions.
- Automatically enhance photos.
- Delete albums and photos.
- Mark photos as favorites.
- Hide images.
- Open photos.
- Create groups in the Reminders app.
- Create sections in Reminders.
- Delete groups, lists, and sections in Reminders.
- Edit lists in the Reminders app.
- Toggle silent mode for hearing aids.
- Enable or disable vehicle movement signals.
Improvements to Apple’s intelligence models
The Shortcuts app can now benefit from enhanced Apple Intelligence models, which have access to vast global knowledge, allowing artificial intelligence to search the internet for information.
Currently, Cloud, Cloud Pro and models are available for use directly on the device, accessible through shortcuts. The Cloud Pro model is capable of performing web searches, being used in queries that require online information.
Data storage and update capacity
An important functionality added is the ability of shortcuts to store and update data, which makes it possible, for example, to add items to a list or keep a count, expanding the automation possibilities.
Reorganization of in-app automations
The automation section, previously standalone in the Shortcuts app, has been integrated and is now configured to trigger tasks within the general actions of the app itself.
Compatibility of the ‘Describe a Shortcut’ feature on multiple systems
The “Describe a Shortcut” feature, which allows you to create automations using natural language, is available not only in iOS 27, but also in iPadOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, ensuring a consistent experience across different Apple platforms.
Devices compatible with new artificial intelligence
To take advantage of Shortcuts features that use Apple Intelligence, you must have a compatible device, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later models, iPads equipped with M-series chips or the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an Apple Silicon chip.