How Apple Intelligence can create iPhone shortcuts

Apple lists Describe a shortcut, a feature that lets you describe an automation in natural language so Shortcuts can connect actions across apps. Apple says usage limits may apply. In one iOS 27 demonstration, creator Jacob gets a follow-up question and an offer to split his request into two shortcuts.

Treat a generated shortcut as a first draft: check that its trigger and action match your request, then test it.

Check Apple’s iPhone compatibility list

Apple’s Apple Intelligence page groups these iPhones by chip family:

The iPhone 13 does not appear on Apple’s Apple Intelligence compatibility list.

Create and test a shortcut

Jacob’s iOS 27 demonstration shows one way to describe a shortcut, respond to a clarification and check the result:

1. Open Shortcuts and tap the plus button. Jacob uses it to start a new shortcut.
2. Dictate what you want the shortcut to do. His example asks for Dark Mode to turn on when Settings opens and turn off when Settings closes.
3. Respond to a follow-up if one appears. In Jacob’s example, Apple Intelligence says it cannot handle both parts in one shortcut and offers to make two. He accepts the split.
4. Test the result. Jacob opens Settings and shows the screen switching to Dark Mode.