How to use Apple Intelligence in the Shortcuts app to save time every day

What’s changed

The new action Use Model adds Apple Intelligence as an embedded step within a script. It allows AI to process content at any step in the chain: summarize, search for information, edit text. The same Shortcut can now behave differently depending on the context.

For example, whereas automation used to simply move a PDF file to «Notes» now AI can extract the main points from it and save a short summary.

Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence now replace the functionality of many paid apps: you can automatically format dictation transcripts, create image descriptions, or turn a grocery list into a set of recipes.

Now AI can automatically format dictation transcripts, create image descriptions, or turn a grocery list into a set of recipes.

How it works

• On-device. The fastest and most private option, though with limitations on the scope of tasks.
• Through Private Cloud Compute. A more powerful layer using Apple’s secure servers — safer than directly invoking ChatGPT.
• Through ChatGPT. Most flexible, but takes data outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

The process is the same for all cases: an action is added to a script, instructions are given to it, and the result is passed to the next step. So you can, for example, record a voice memo, transcribe it with Apple Intelligence, edit the text, and paste it into an email &#8212 all in one go.

Example: Shortcut «Food Replicator»

Shortcuts can not only handle files and text, but also control «smart» homes — turn on lights, change the temperature, or send notifications. One scenario, Food Replicator, uses Apple Intelligence to create recipes based on a grocery list.

The script takes a list from «Reminders», passes it to the AI, and gets a selection of dishes given the available ingredients. You can refine the query — for example, Italian cuisine only, vegetarian dishes only, or breakfast dishes only. Shortcut returns a set of recipes and a list of missing products.

Compatibility and limitations

Apple Intelligence is available on devices iPhone 15 Pro and newer, iPad Air and iPad Pro with M1 and higher, iPad mini with A17 Pro, and on all Macs with Apple Silicon. Older models will be able to install newer versions of the systems, but without support for AI features.

Privacy remains key: Apple’s cloud processing is anonymous and secure, but still requires trust in remote servers. Local models are more secure, but less powerful.

AI can still make mistakes: missing important details in the summarization or changing the meaning when the text is reworded. So it’s always worth checking the result against the source data — especially in scenarios where AI is converting lists or financial information.

An AI can still make mistakes: missing important details in summarization or changing meaning when rephrasing text.

Follow Up — customization without editing the script

A new feature Follow Up allows you to refine your response right after generation. You can ask Apple Intelligence to make the text shorter, change the style or choose a different cuisine — without changing the Shortcut itself. This gives you the ability to quickly tweak the result and experiment with options.

Why it matters

Shortcuts has always been an automation tool that combines simplicity and power. Built-in Apple Intelligence doesn’t replace the system, it extends its capabilities — adding AI analysis, search and content transformation to existing workflows.

This integration makes automation more personal and practical. Apple is betting on «silent» AI — an assistant embedded in everyday tasks, not a chatbot with ostentatious features.

Apple Intelligence in Shortcuts already saves time: actions that require multiple apps are now performed by a single command. This makes AI part of everyday work without disrupting the user’s routine.