Apple adds large language model to Shortcuts, boosting daily automations
When I opened Shortcuts on my iPhone this week, the new “Apple Intelligence” toggle caught my eye. Apple has tucked a large language model into the app, turning what used to be a static list of actions into something that can chat with you, suggest missing steps, or even write a whole sequence on the spot. If you already have shortcuts that mute notifications, log a workout, or pull a calendar entry, the AI layer could let you get the same result with a single prompt instead of piecing together several actions.
The option shows up as a simple switch when you create a new shortcut - just look for “Apple Intelligence.” It feels more than a gimmick; it might actually reshape a few daily habits. It's unclear how many will jump on it, but the promise is there.
“I use this shortcut just about every day, and it makes my life better. Adding a large language model to Shortcuts means it's easier to build automations that can simplify your life. Here's how:”
I use this shortcut just about every day, and it makes my life better. Adding a large language model to Shortcuts means it's easier to build automations that can simplify your life. Here's how: How This Works Head to Apple Shortcuts, create a new shortcut, and you'll see "Apple Intelligence" as one of the listed applications that's supported.
There are a few Actions related to text, allowing you to do things like proofread, summarize, and make a list from text. You also get the ability to create an image, if you want.
Apple’s move to slot a large-language model straight into Shortcuts feels more like an internal feature than a separate product. The new Apple Intelligence action shows up in the shortcut editor, so you can call the model while you piece together daily automations. One user says they run the shortcut every day and that it “makes my life better,” which hints at a real-world win for at least some tasks.
Still, it’s hard to say how far the benefit reaches beyond niche use cases; the announcement can be easy to miss amid the larger macOS 26 rollout. Because the model lives behind a single “Apple Intelligence” block, developers and power users might find it a bit simpler to add natural-language steps without pulling in external APIs. Whether this will push more people to adopt AI-enhanced shortcuts or stay a hobby for a few enthusiasts remains uncertain.
For now, the addition is a modest bump to Apple’s automation toolbox, and its true value will probably be judged by how often everyday users actually turn it on.
Further Reading
- At WWDC 2025, Apple introduces an AI-powered Shortcuts app - TechCrunch
- Apple Intelligence gets even more powerful with new capabilities across Apple devices - Apple Newsroom
- Experimenting with Apple's AI models inside Shortcuts - Six Colors
- Use Apple Intelligence in Shortcuts on iPhone - Apple Support
- New Apple Intelligence features are available today - Apple Newsroom
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Common Questions Answered
What is the name of the large language model that Apple added to the Shortcuts app?
Apple introduced the model under the brand name "Apple Intelligence." This built‑in LLM integrates directly into Shortcuts, allowing users to invoke AI capabilities while creating automations.
How does Apple Intelligence change the way users build automations in Shortcuts?
Apple Intelligence turns a static list of actions into a conversational engine that can suggest, fill in, or generate steps on the fly. Users can now ask the model to proofread text, summarize content, or create lists, making shortcuts more dynamic and context‑aware.
Which specific text‑related actions are available through the Apple Intelligence integration?
The integration adds actions for proofreading, summarizing, and converting raw text into organized lists. These actions appear in the shortcut editor and can be combined with other automation steps like muting notifications or logging workouts.
What does the article suggest about the impact of embedding a large language model directly into Shortcuts?
Embedding the LLM signals a shift toward AI as a built‑in feature rather than a separate product, offering seamless access within daily workflows. Early user feedback indicates that running an Apple Intelligence‑enabled shortcut each day can noticeably simplify personal tasks.