At WWDC 2025, Apple will unveil a major upgrade to its Shortcuts app, powered by Apple Intelligence. This new version will allow users to create powerful automations using natural language, dramatically simplifying how tasks are automated across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With on-device AI processing, third-party app integration, and cross-device compatibility, the revamped Shortcuts app signals Apple’s bold push into user-friendly AI. While some features may roll out gradually, this update marks a pivotal shift in how everyday users interact with automation on Apple devices.
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a cornerstone event in the technology industry, where the company unveils its latest software innovations and sets the stage for the future of its ecosystem. Scheduled for June 9 to June 13, 2025, at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, WWDC 2025 is poised to showcase significant advancements in Apple’s software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Among the anticipated announcements, Apple is set to introduce a revamped Shortcuts app enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities powered by Apple Intelligence, its proprietary AI suite. This development represents a pivotal step in Apple’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced AI technologies into its ecosystem, offering users a more intuitive and efficient way to automate daily tasks across their devices.
The Evolution of the Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app, originally introduced as Workflow before Apple acquired it in 2017, has become a powerful automation tool within the Apple ecosystem. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, Shortcuts allows users to create custom workflows to streamline repetitive tasks, such as sending pre-drafted messages, managing smart home devices, or organizing files. The app’s flexibility has made it a favorite among power users, but its complexity can be daunting for casual users who may find creating shortcuts challenging.
At WWDC 2025, Apple plans to address these challenges by unveiling a revamped Shortcuts app that integrates AI capabilities through Apple Intelligence. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a seasoned journalist known for reliable Apple insights, the updated app will enable users to create automation actions using natural language prompts, making the process more accessible and intuitive. This overhaul aims to simplify the user experience while expanding the app’s functionality, positioning Shortcuts as a central component of Apple’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Apple Intelligence: The Backbone of the Revamped Shortcuts App
Apple Intelligence, introduced at WWDC 2024, is Apple’s proprietary suite of AI features designed to enhance functionality across its devices. Unlike competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, Apple Intelligence emphasizes on-device processing to prioritize user privacy and performance. The integration of Apple Intelligence into the Shortcuts app is expected to leverage the platform’s foundation models, which consist of approximately three billion parameters, to enable advanced automation capabilities.
The AI-powered Shortcuts app will allow users to create custom actions through natural language interactions. For example, users could instruct their iPhone to “send a good morning text to my family group at 8 AM” or “play my workout playlist when I start a run,” and the app would generate the necessary workflow without requiring manual configuration. This shift toward conversational automation aligns with Apple’s goal of making its devices more user-friendly and responsive to individual needs.
Additionally, Apple plans to open its foundation models to third-party developers at WWDC 2025, enabling them to integrate Apple Intelligence into their apps. This move could lead to a proliferation of AI-powered features across the App Store, further enhancing the Shortcuts app’s versatility by allowing it to interact seamlessly with third-party applications.
Key Features of the AI-Powered Shortcuts App
The revamped Shortcuts app is expected to introduce several key features that enhance its functionality and accessibility:
Natural Language Processing: By leveraging Apple Intelligence, the app will interpret natural language commands, allowing users to create shortcuts without navigating complex menus or scripting interfaces. This feature lowers the barrier to entry for non-technical users, making automation accessible to a broader audience.
Cross-Device Integration: The updated Shortcuts app will work seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices, ensuring consistent automation experiences. For instance, a shortcut created on an iPhone could trigger actions on a Mac or Apple Watch, enhancing productivity across the ecosystem.
Third-Party App Support: With Apple opening its AI models to developers, the Shortcuts app will likely support enhanced integrations with third-party apps, enabling users to automate tasks involving services like music streaming, calendar management, or smart home controls.
Privacy-Focused AI: Apple’s commitment to on-device AI processing ensures that user data remains private, a key differentiator from cloud-based AI solutions. This approach aligns with Apple’s privacy-first philosophy, providing users with confidence that their automation tasks are secure.
While these features are expected to be previewed at WWDC 2025, some reports suggest that their full implementation may be delayed until 2026 due to development timelines. This phased rollout reflects Apple’s cautious approach to ensuring stability and reliability in its AI offerings.
WWDC 2025: A Broader Software Focus
While the AI-powered Shortcuts app is a significant highlight, WWDC 2025 will also feature updates to Apple’s operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. These updates will introduce a unified, year-based naming convention, replacing traditional version numbers like iOS 19. The new naming system, coupled with a “Solarium” user interface redesign inspired by the translucent aesthetics of visionOS, aims to create a cohesive and visually appealing experience across Apple’s platforms.
Other anticipated announcements include:
Swift Assist Update: Apple is expected to provide an update on Swift Assist, its AI-powered code completion tool, which may incorporate Anthropic’s technology for enhanced functionality.
Gaming App: A new Xbox-like gaming app will replace Game Center, offering a hub for achievements, leaderboards, and game launches across Apple devices.
AI-Powered Features: Additional AI enhancements, such as a battery management mode and live translation for AirPods and Siri, will further integrate Apple Intelligence into the ecosystem.
These updates underscore Apple’s focus on refining its software platforms, even as it faces challenges in keeping pace with competitors in the AI space.
Implications for Users and Developers
The AI-powered Shortcuts app has significant implications for both users and developers. For users, the ability to create automation tasks through natural language simplifies workflows, saving time and enhancing productivity. Whether scheduling reminders, managing smart home devices, or curating media playlists, the revamped app promises to make everyday tasks more efficient. The cross-device compatibility ensures that these automations are accessible across Apple’s ecosystem, from iPhones to Macs, creating a seamless user experience.
For developers, the opening of Apple Intelligence’s foundation models presents an opportunity to create innovative, AI-driven apps that integrate with Shortcuts. This could lead to a new wave of automation-focused applications, expanding the App Store’s offerings and enhancing the overall ecosystem. By providing access to its AI technology, Apple is fostering a collaborative environment that encourages developers to push the boundaries of what’s possible with automation.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite the excitement surrounding the AI-powered Shortcuts app, Apple faces challenges in delivering on its AI ambitions. Reports indicate that Apple Intelligence has not fully met expectations since its debut in 2024, with some features delayed and others criticized for lacking the sophistication of competitors like ChatGPT or Gemini. The pressure is on Apple to demonstrate meaningful progress at WWDC 2025, particularly as it competes with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google.
The Shortcuts app’s overhaul is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on Apple’s ability to deliver a polished, user-friendly experience. The potential delay of some features until 2026 raises concerns about Apple’s ability to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. However, Apple’s focus on privacy, on-device processing, and ecosystem integration could differentiate its offerings, appealing to users who prioritize security and seamless connectivity.
The introduction of an AI-powered Shortcuts app at WWDC 2025 marks a significant milestone in Apple’s journey to integrate advanced AI into its ecosystem. By leveraging Apple Intelligence, the revamped app promises to make automation more accessible, intuitive, and powerful, catering to both casual users and power users. Combined with broader software updates, including a unified OS naming system and a visionOS-inspired UI, Apple is poised to deliver a cohesive and forward-looking software experience.
As WWDC 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for how Apple will position itself in the competitive AI landscape. The AI-powered Shortcuts app, with its focus on natural language automation and third-party integration, has the potential to redefine how users interact with their devices, making everyday tasks more efficient and personalized. By staying true to its privacy-first ethos and leveraging its robust ecosystem, Apple is well-positioned to make a lasting impact at WWDC 2025 and beyond.
For the latest updates on WWDC 2025, tune into Apple’s keynote on June 9, 2025, at 1 PM ET, available via apple.com, the Apple TV app, or Apple’s YouTube channel.
