### The Prospects of Apple’s Shortcuts App: Incorporating AI for Improved Automation
Long-time followers of 9to5Mac may remember that the native Shortcuts app began as an independent initiative called Workflow, aimed at making automation both accessible and enjoyable for users with diverse technical expertise. Over time, Shortcuts has matured into a powerful tool, especially on Mac devices. Nonetheless, given the latest progress in artificial intelligence (AI), the app seems to require a substantial update to stay aligned with the swiftly evolving automation technology landscape.
#### Forthcoming Revamp and AI Incorporation
As per a report by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, Apple is set to undertake a significant overhaul of its Shortcuts app, incorporating AI features through its Apple Intelligence initiative. This upcoming version is anticipated to enable users to formulate automation commands using natural language, enhancing the app’s intuitiveness and user-friendliness. Although this revamp was initially scheduled for 2025, delays might postpone the release until 2026.
The inclusion of AI within the Shortcuts app could revolutionize user interaction with automation. By facilitating natural language commands, Apple seeks to diminish the obstacles for users who may perceive the current interface as complicated. This evolution corresponds with wider industry trends where AI is becoming increasingly woven into system functionalities, as exemplified by Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs, which leverage an AI agent to fulfill user requests via conversational commands.
#### Possible Applications for AI-Enhanced Shortcuts
Envision the potential with an AI-infused Shortcuts app. Users could provide straightforward voice or text prompts to initiate intricate automations. For instance, a user could say, “When I begin a Zoom, Teams, Meet, or FaceTime call, engage Do Not Disturb, lower the screen brightness, and launch Notes. During the meeting, record participant names, job titles, and essential discussion points. After the call, compose an email summarizing the meeting and outlining every individual’s responsibilities.”
While this may appear trivial to some, it signifies a considerable advancement in functionality for many users. Having such features merely a voice command away could significantly boost productivity and optimize workflows.
#### The Importance of MCP in Automation
Another significant advancement in the automation arena is Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard designed to promote seamless integration between AI assistants and external data sources. Leading entities like Google and OpenAI have embraced MCP, highlighting a rare instance of cross-industry cooperation. Although it remains unclear whether Apple will adopt MCP, its acceptance could further enhance automation functions beyond basic system settings and local app management.
#### Looking Forward
Given the report that the AI-driven Shortcuts feature might be postponed until 2026, it seems improbable that we will witness a demonstration at the upcoming WWDC keynote. Still, it is reassuring to know that Apple is actively contemplating the integration of AI into its automation tools. Whether the company can fulfill this promise is yet to be determined, but the potential for a more intelligent and user-friendly Shortcuts app presents an exciting possibility for the future of automation on Apple devices.
