At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a new AI-powered version of its Shortcuts app, a tool that allows users to automate tasks and perform complex actions with ease. Now, Shortcuts can tap directly into Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-device large language model (LLM), bringing AI-driven functionality to even more users. Developers will also have the ability to integrate Apple’s LLM into their apps, enabling more intelligent and streamlined experiences across Apple’s ecosystem.
With this update, Shortcuts users can generate responses using Apple’s LLM either on the device or via Private Compute, a privacy-focused service that ensures user data stays secure. For example, a student could use Shortcuts to compare their notes with a transcription of a class lecture, asking the AI to identify key points they missed. The new capabilities allow users to take advantage of actions like summarising text with AI, creating images using the Image Playground, and much more. These intelligent actions give Shortcuts an entirely new level of functionality, making the app accessible to a broader audience.
The update makes Shortcuts more user-friendly, even for those who are not technically inclined. Historically, Shortcuts has been a tool for power users, allowing them to automate tasks like creating custom memes, setting location-based reminders, or managing time. Now, with the addition of AI-driven features, these tasks can be done more efficiently and with greater ease, reducing the need for deep technical knowledge.
While the Shortcuts app has always been a powerful tool for automating tasks, the integration of AI opens up new possibilities. It makes it easier for everyday users to perform more advanced functions, without needing to write complex code or deeply understand automation. This move also positions Apple to improve the overall efficiency of its devices while addressing the growing demand for AI capabilities in consumer products.
This update to Shortcuts can also be seen as a response to the delays in fully upgrading Siri with AI capabilities. By incorporating AI-assisted automation, Apple is making strides in bringing more powerful features to its users, even if Siri’s full AI transformation still has some way to go. As Apple continues to develop AI tools, the Shortcuts app could serve as a bridge, making everyday tasks feel more efficient and accessible to all.
