Apple adds AI prompts to the Shortcuts app in iOS 27

In short: Apple says the Shortcuts app in iOS 27 will let people create automations by typing a plain-language request.

What happened

Apple announced at its Worldwide Developers Conference that it is updating the Shortcuts app with an AI feature in iOS 27. Shortcuts is Apple’s tool for automating repeated tasks on an iPhone, like doing several actions across different apps with one tap.

Until now, Shortcuts has mainly been for people who are comfortable building step by step “workflows” (a workflow is just a list of actions, like a recipe). Apple says that can feel complicated because you have to pick the right app actions and fill in details like settings and variables (variables are saved pieces of information, like an address).

With the new version, users can type a prompt and describe what they want to happen. Apple says “Apple Intelligence” will interpret the request and build the needed steps automatically, similar to telling a helpful assistant what to do instead of writing the instructions yourself.

Apple shared an example: a person could ask for a shortcut that texts their partner when they leave work and includes an estimated arrival time. The shortcut would run when the person leaves work, look up the saved home address, calculate the ETA using Apple Maps, and send the message through Messages.

Apple also says users can edit an existing shortcut by describing changes in words, like adding “start playing my favorite podcast” to the same routine.

The updated Shortcuts app is expected to roll out with iOS 27 later this fall.

Why it matters

This could make everyday phone automations easier for more people to set up, especially those who never used Shortcuts because it felt like programming.

Source: TechCrunch AI