Apple has introduced Intelligent Actions, enabling users to automate their experience with Apple Intelligence features. This update integrates Writing Tools and image creation into the Shortcuts app, allowing users to combine various options seamlessly.
With the release of iOS 18 in 2024, creating Shortcuts has become more user-friendly, thanks to the app’s redesign. However, in iOS 26, Apple has enhanced the capabilities further by introducing significant new features.
All available Apple Intelligence tools can now be accessed through Intelligent Actions. The main actions included in the current developer beta are diverse and beneficial.
They encompass changing the tone of text, creating lists and tables from text, proofreading, rewriting, summarizing text, and employing specific models. The ability to choose which AI model to use is particularly noteworthy.
Options available include Private Cloud Compute, On-Device, Extension, and Ask Each Time. “Ask Each Time” allows users to select the model during Shortcut execution, while the other options pertain to the mode and location of query processing.
The “On-Device” option uses the Apple Intelligence LLM on the user’s device, whether it is an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. In contrast, “Private Cloud Compute” utilizes Apple’s extensive cloud resources while maintaining privacy.
The “Extension” option currently features ChatGPT, with expectations of future integration with Google’s Gemini AI tool. These enhancements to Shortcuts not only bolster its capabilities but also improve the overall functionality of Apple Intelligence.
Rather than executing multiple writing tasks manually, users can automate these processes through Shortcuts, optimizing efficiency. For example, a student might combine their notes and an audio recording of a lecture into a Shortcut, which then transcribes the audio and compares it to the notes.
Although creating such Shortcuts requires initial effort, their value grows for tasks that are performed frequently. As a result, Shortcuts has become increasingly valuable in iOS 26 and macOS 26.
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