Lengthy-time 9to5Mac readers will do not forget that the native Shortcuts app began as an indie venture known as Workflow, a intelligent, approachable device that made automation enjoyable and accessible to much less technical customers.
Right now, Shortcuts stays a robust utility, notably on the Mac. Nevertheless, in comparison with how agentic AI instruments have reshaped how we take into consideration automation, it’s feeling a bit stagnant. That could be about to vary.
As reported by Mark Gurman in as we speak’s Energy On publication, Apple is getting ready a big overhaul of its Shortcuts app, integrating AI capabilities by way of its Apple Intelligence initiative:
“A revamped model of its Shortcuts app, which as we speak lets customers create actions similar to launching sure options inside apps or taking part in a selected playlist. The brand new model will let customers create these actions utilizing Apple Intelligence fashions. (This had lengthy been deliberate for 2025, however delays might push it to 2026.)”
In different phrases, an AI-based Shortcuts app would possibly enable extra pure language interactions, additional reducing the barrier for automation-curious customers who would possibly discover the present interface a bit difficult to navigate.
This transfer aligns with broader {industry} developments the place AI is more and more built-in into system-level functionalities. Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, as an example, function an AI agent able to performing actions and daisy-chaining system changes primarily based on person requests by way of pure language instructions.
Think about combining this functionality with AI-generated automations triggered by easy voice or textual content prompts, similar to: “Once I begin a Zoom, Groups, Meet, or FaceTime name, activate Do Not Disturb, dim the display, and open Notes. Throughout the assembly, seize participant names, job titles, and key dialogue factors. After the decision, draft an e-mail summarizing the assembly and outlining every individual’s motion objects.”
This is perhaps trivial for you, however it certain isn’t for many customers. And having this form of stuff one voice command away may very well be actually highly effective.
I’ll say it once more: MCP
After which there’s Anthropic’s MCP, an open commonplace designed to facilitate seamless integration between AI assistants and exterior information sources and instruments. In opposition to all odds, it has been adopted by main gamers, together with Google and OpenAI (who additionally provide their very own options), in a uncommon case of cross-industry collaboration.
Whereas it’s unsure whether or not Apple will ever embrace MCP, its adoption would completely profit customers by enabling automation even additional, past simply system settings and restricted native app management.
Given Gurman’s report that this AI-powered Shortcuts function, initially deliberate for 2025, is perhaps delayed to 2026, it’s unlikely we’ll see it showcased on the June 9 WWDC keynote.
Nonetheless, it’s a aid to know that Apple has been taking note of this facet of agentic AI. Whether or not it can ship on its promise stays to be seen.
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