For years, Apple's Shortcuts app has been one of the most powerful tools on the iPhone, but many users have avoided it because of its complexity. Creating custom automations often required navigating a maze of actions, workflows, and conditions that felt more like programming than everyday smartphone use.
That could change with iOS 27.
Apple has introduced a new Apple Intelligence feature called "Describe a Shortcut," allowing users to create custom shortcuts simply by describing what they want their iPhone to do. Instead of manually building workflows step by step, users can type a request in plain language and let artificial intelligence generate the shortcut automatically.
The feature is designed to make automation more accessible to everyday iPhone users who may have previously found the Shortcuts app intimidating or difficult to understand.
To access the feature, users will need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer running the iOS 27 beta. Before installing the beta software, Apple recommends backing up your device through iCloud. This can be done by navigating to Settings, tapping your Apple ID, selecting iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and choosing "Back Up Now."
Users who have never participated in an Apple beta program will need to register for a free developer account before downloading the software. Once registered and enrolled in Apple Intelligence features, they can install the iOS 27 Developer Beta through the Software Update section in Settings.
Those who have previously used Apple beta software can skip the registration process and download the beta directly by going to Settings, General, Software Update, Beta Updates, and selecting the iOS 27 Developer Beta.
Using the new feature is straightforward. After opening the Shortcuts app and creating a new shortcut, users are presented with a text field instead of the traditional workflow editor. They simply describe the task they want their iPhone to perform, and Apple Intelligence takes care of the rest.
For example, a user could enter; "At 10:00 PM, turn on Do Not Disturb, set screen brightness to 15%, and enable Dark Mode." Apple Intelligence then analyzes the request and automatically creates the complete shortcut with all the necessary actions.
The system also supports more advanced requests. Users can create morning routines that open calendars, start playlists, and send messages, or design work-focused automations that reduce distractions by silencing notifications and restricting access to certain apps.
Apple says the more detailed the description, the more accurately the AI can build the requested shortcut. While the feature remains in beta and may occasionally require adjustments or retries, it represents a significant step toward making iPhone automation easier and more accessible for a wider audience.
By removing much of the technical complexity traditionally associated with shortcuts, Apple Intelligence could encourage more users to take advantage of one of the iPhone's most powerful productivity features.