Apple Unveils AI-Powered Shortcuts App at WWDC 2025

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a new AI-powered Shortcuts app, marking a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence across its ecosystem.

According to Apple, the revamped Shortcuts app will directly leverage Apple Intelligence, providing users with enhanced automation capabilities. Developers will also gain access to Apple’s on-device large language model (LLM), fostering innovation and the creation of intelligent, automated workflows.

The AI integration allows users to tap into AI models, either directly on their devices or through Private Compute, to generate responses that seamlessly integrate into their shortcuts. Imagine a student creating a shortcut that uses AI to compare a lecture’s audio transcription with their notes, highlighting missed key points. Users can also integrate ChatGPT for additional insights within their shortcuts.

Intelligent actions, a new type of shortcut powered by Apple Intelligence, will also be available. These include dedicated actions for summarizing text using Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools and creating images with Image Playground.

Apple announced that these new features are available for testing starting Monday, allowing developers and enthusiasts to explore the potential of AI-driven automation.

This move follows Apple’s previous announcement of an AI-enhanced Siri, designed to offer more personalized features and support. However, the company delayed the launch of the upgraded Siri, citing the need for more development time.

The updated Shortcuts app aims to make automation more accessible to a broader audience. Previously, Shortcuts was often considered a tool for power users. With AI assistance, tasks like creating custom memes or GIFs, generating meeting notes, tracking time, creating playlists, saving PDFs, and setting location-based reminders become more intuitive.

This update also serves as a strategic measure to bridge the gap caused by delays in the full AI upgrade of Siri. By leveraging AI-assisted automation, Apple aims to enhance the efficiency of iPhone usage, provided users are willing to invest in shortcut creation.