Apple's shortcuts app is a treasure trove for power users. It's one of the most overlooked features on iPhones and even Macs. If you haven't tried it yet, this app allows you to perform multiple tasks at once or set off certain actions automatically. One of my favorite shortcuts generates a QR code for my Wi-Fi network, saving me from having to recite a long password.
I also have another shortcut that deletes screenshots after 30 days. My library includes options that activate Do Not Disturb mode during specific hours, convert any webpage into a PDF, capture Mac windows, and even control smart devices when I arrive home.
While these shortcuts are incredibly useful, creating them can be quite challenging. The user interface and action presets can be daunting for even tech-savvy individuals looking to build their own automations. However, Apple may soon offer an easier solution with the help of AI technology.
Apple Prepares to Enhance Shortcuts with AI
According to reports from Bloomberg, Apple is working on an upgraded version of the Shortcuts app that will incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities. This new iteration will allow users to create actions using Apple's own AI models.
The advantage here is that Apple's models are likely better suited for integration with its system tools and applications compared to third-party options like ChatGPT. For instance, while OpenAI’s chatbot excels in various tasks beyond Siri's reach, it cannot interact directly with other apps or system functions on your iPhone—making it impossible for it to assist in creating cross-app shortcuts.
At WWDC 2025, there are rumors that Apple will unveil its proprietary AI models and make them available for developers as well. This move aims to enable developers to seamlessly integrate AI-driven features into their applications without security concerns getting in the way.
Microsoft has already taken strides by utilizing its internal AI models across various Copilot experiences on windows PCs while also providing open-source Phi family models for developers looking to enhance their apps.
If Apple follows Microsoft's lead by expanding its AI foundations within the Shortcuts app framework, crafting multi-step workflows coudl become substantially simpler—much like how Gemini operates on Android devices today.
The Need for an Intelligent Overhaul
Imagine simply speaking your desired workflow into Siri and having it transformed into a shortcut instantly! That’s what current AI tools can do; they execute tasks right away instead of setting rules for future use. With integrated AI in Shortcuts, you could say something like:
“Hey Siri! Create a shortcut that automatically replies to all messages I receive over weekends about my unavailability and instructs them to contact me again on Monday when I say ‘I’m out.’”
This kind of natural language processing is entirely possible thanks to advancements in AI technology today—just look at how Gemini works seamlessly across Android devices equipped with Gemini Nano processing capabilities!
This tool can manage workflows not just within Google services but also across third-party platforms such as WhatsApp or Spotify—and it's only getting better! as new features roll out through Project Mariner and Astra via Gemini Live updates come online regularly too!
If apple revamps its Shortcuts app effectively by enhancing voice recognition capabilities alongside actionable command conversion processes—the potential would be immense! openai already offers Operator—a feature capable of autonomously managing web-based tasks—which could serve as inspiration here!
A glimpse Into What's Possible
Speaking about ChatGPT's integration possibilities within iOS: there's already an open-source project showcasing how voice commands translate into actions on an iPhone! Rounak Jain—a talented engineer at OpenAI—has developed an innovative agent designed specifically around this concept!
“🚨🤖 Today I'm launching an intelligent agent capable of executing commands across various iPhone applications!”
“It's powered by OpenAI GPT-4.1 & available as open source; give it a try!” – Rounak Jain (@r0unak) June 1st 2025
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