Apple is expected to introduce a significant update to its Shortcuts app at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025.
According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the revamped app will incorporate advanced artificial intelligence features powered by Apple’s “Apple Intelligence” platform, signaling a shift toward more natural and intuitive automation across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to integrate on-device AI capabilities into core Apple services, offering users more powerful tools to streamline everyday tasks with minimal manual setup.
AI-Driven Automation With Natural Language
The new version of the Shortcuts app is expected to support natural language input, enabling users to create and trigger custom automations simply by describing what they want to happen.
For example, actions like launching a playlist, sending a text, or activating a series of tasks could be completed through conversational commands—eliminating the need for traditional scripting.
This enhancement is powered by Apple’s in-house AI models, part of the broader Apple Intelligence initiative aimed at embedding smart, contextual functionality throughout the operating system.
Role of the App Intents Framework
A key enabler of this new Shortcuts experience is Apple’s App Intents framework, which allows third-party developers to define specific actions and parameters that interact seamlessly with Siri and Apple Intelligence.
This integration is designed to make app capabilities more discoverable and accessible, whether triggered by voice or text.
By linking apps and system features through well-defined intents, Apple aims to make automation more consistent and developer-friendly across the ecosystem.
On-Device Processing and Privacy Focus
In keeping with Apple’s ongoing emphasis on privacy, the AI features in the Shortcuts app are expected to run entirely on-device.
This approach allows the system to process user commands and generate responses without sending data to the cloud, aligning with Apple’s broader philosophy of privacy-preserving innovation.
Delayed Public Rollout
Although Apple is expected to demonstrate the updated Shortcuts app during its keynote at WWDC on June 9 at Apple Park, the full rollout of the new features may be delayed until 2026.
Reports suggest the timeline adjustment reflects Apple’s focus on refining the AI experience before making it broadly available to users.
This delay may also provide third-party developers with additional time to adopt the new frameworks and prepare their apps for deeper AI integration.
AI Integration Across Apple’s Ecosystem
The Shortcuts app overhaul is just one part of Apple’s wider strategy to embed Apple Intelligence across its platforms. Other AI-driven developments reportedly in progress include:
- A redesigned Siri experience using large language models for more conversational interactions
- A new AI-powered Health app expected to debut with iOS 26
- A diagnostic tool, internally referred to as “Mulberry,” that could serve as a virtual health advisor
- A web-connected chatbot designed to compete with services like ChatGPT
If realized as reported, the updated Shortcuts app could mark a meaningful evolution in how users interact with their Apple devices.
While broader adoption may hinge on timing and execution, WWDC 2025 is expected to offer the first look at how Apple envisions the next era of intelligent computing.
