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Apple will let you build workflows using AI in its new Shortcuts app
Apple announced at WWDC 2026 that its Shortcuts app will incorporate AI to simplify workflow creation for iOS 27. Users can now create automations by simply describing tasks in natural language, enabling non-technical users to engage with automation more easily. The app also provides real-time editing options to enhance user experience.
Key points
- Apple introduced an AI feature in its Shortcuts app during WWDC 2026.
- The new Shortcuts app allows users to create workflows by typing requests in natural language.
- Celcia Dantas emphasized the complexity of prior versions and the new approach's accessibility.
- An example given is notifying a partner about a user’s ETA when leaving work.
- After creating automations, users can edit them through natural language descriptions.
- The updated Shortcuts feature will be available with iOS 27 this fall.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI in software development aligns with the 2025 trend of democratizing technology, allowing more people to automate tasks.
- Similar to advancements by other tech giants, Apple’s approach mirrors trends in user-centric AI tools gaining popularity in various sectors.
- The integration of natural language processing into productivity apps reflects the broader push for enhanced user experience across digital platforms.
Apple's AI-enhanced Shortcuts app represents a significant shift towards making automation accessible to all users, potentially transforming how tasks are automated in everyday life.