At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a powerful upgrade to its beloved Shortcuts app by embedding on-device generative AI powered by Apple Intelligence. This enhancement transforms Shortcuts from a manual automation tool into a smart assistant capable of advanced reasoning and interactions.
What’s New in Shortcuts?
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AI-Driven Actions
- Users can now build shortcuts that include intelligent actions like summarizing text, generating images, or analyzing audio without leaving the app
- For example, a student can create a shortcut to compare audio lecture transcripts with their notes, automatically filling in any missing details .
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Foundation Models for Developers
- Apple now exposes its on-device large-language model through the Foundation Models framework, enabling third-party developers to build AI-powered apps that work even offline
- With just a few lines of Swift code, apps can tap into the same logic that powers Shortcuts—including image generation via Image Playground and emoji creation with Genmoji
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Privacy-First, On-Device Computation
- Apple Intelligence is designed to run locally on supported devices—or use its Private Cloud Compute option ensuring data remains secure and private.
- According to Apple, these models can function fully offline, making AI-powered shortcuts both fast and privacy-preserving
Why It Matters
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Accessibility for All
Shortcuts becomes more intuitive for everyday users—no coding required. With AI capabilities, automations are smarter and easier to build, expanding Shortcuts beyond power users -
Productivity Boosts
Whether it's summarizing notes or generating simple images, Shortcuts can save users time and enhance their daily workflows with intelligent automation. -
Developer Opportunities
Thanks to the new Foundation Models API, app developers can now embed advanced AI features directly into their products—using on-device models to respect user privacy and maintain speed
What’s Next?
The upgraded Shortcuts, along with Apple’s broader AI enhancements, are set to roll out this fallwith developer betas expected soon Supported devices include the latest iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch models, and even Vision Pro.
Summary: Your Takeaway
Apple’s move at WWDC 2025 signals a major shift: AI is now seamlessly integrated into the tools users use every day, like Shortcuts—without compromising privacy. By making intelligent automation accessible and powerful, Apple is setting a new standard for AI-driven productivity apps.
