Apple has integrated generative AI into its Shortcuts app within iOS 27 to lower the barrier for creating automation workflows. Previously designed for technical users comfortable with visual scripting, the tool now permits individuals to describe desired actions in natural language. Powered by Apple Intelligence, the system interprets these prompts to construct the necessary steps across various applications. Celcia Dantas, senior manager of Home Software Product Marketing, acknowledged that the original process felt complicated for many. The update aims to make automation accessible to non-technical users by removing the need to manually select specific app actions or configure variables.
This shift matters because it expands the utility of personal automation beyond power users. By allowing users to simply request a task, Apple Intelligence determines the required logic and retrieves relevant system data. For instance, a user can ask for a notification to a partner when leaving work, and the AI will orchestrate the trigger, calculate the estimated time of arrival using Apple Maps, and send the message via iMessage. Users can also refine these workflows later through text descriptions, such as adding a podcast to play upon arrival. This feature is scheduled to launch with iOS 27 later this fall, fundamentally changing how everyday users interact with device automation.
- Shortcuts in iOS 27 now accepts natural language prompts to generate complex automation workflows.
- Apple Intelligence interprets user requests to automatically assemble the necessary app actions and variables.
- The feature launches later this fall, targeting both novice and experienced users.
