To create iPhone shortcuts with Apple Intelligence, use Describe a Shortcut to turn a plain-language request into shortcut steps. CNET’s October 13, 2026 tutorial describes starting in Shortcuts by tapping + and describing the automation. Apple says you can then describe changes to revise the result. If you want a model to handle one part of a shortcut you assemble yourself, use the separate Use Model action.

Choose the workflow that fits your task

What you want to doWorkflowWhat it does
Create shortcut steps from a descriptionDescribe a ShortcutApple Intelligence assembles the steps you describe and can apply changes you describe afterward.
Use a model as part of a shortcut you buildUse ModelAdds a model action to your shortcut, where its response can be passed to another action.

Apple introduced Describe a Shortcut on June 8, 2026, and said general availability was planned for fall 2026. CNET’s October 13 tutorial describes the workflow as available in iOS 27. Apple’s announcement explains that Describe a Shortcut generates the steps from your description and accepts further descriptions to change them.

Create a shortcut from a description

  1. Open Shortcuts. CNET’s reported workflow starts in the Shortcuts app.
  2. Tap the plus button. CNET says this opens the route to describe an automation.
  3. Describe what you want the shortcut to do. Apple says Describe a Shortcut uses Apple Intelligence to assemble the steps for the task.
  4. Describe any changes you want. Apple says you can revise the generated shortcut by explaining what to change.

CNET says a created shortcut remains in the app. To edit or rename one, long-press it. The tutorial also lists Siri, the Action Button, a Lock Screen widget, and a Home Screen bookmark as ways to run shortcuts; which options you can use depends on your device and setup.

If you prefer to build a shortcut in the traditional editor—or your device can’t use Apple Intelligence—CNET lists Settings → Apps → Shortcuts → Editor as the path to Editor mode. Its examples include turning on Background Sounds at bedtime and switching them off after an hour, or enabling Reduce Motion when Low Power mode begins.

Add a model to a shortcut you build

Use Model is for a different job: you assemble the shortcut, then add a model action to process information within it. Apple’s Shortcuts guide documents this sequence:

  1. Add the actions that provide input to your shortcut.
  2. Add Use Model and choose On-Device, Cloud, Cloud Pro, or Extension Model (ChatGPT).
  3. Enter a prompt for the model.
  4. Turn on Follow Up if you want that option.
  5. Add an action to use the model’s response.
  6. Tap Play to test the shortcut.

Apple says On-Device can handle simple requests without a network connection. Cloud and Cloud Pro use Private Cloud Compute, and Cloud Pro has extended context for larger, more complex tasks. The shortcut saves automatically.

Check Apple’s iPhone and iPad requirements

For Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 or later, Apple lists Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 models or later. For iPadOS 27 or later, Apple lists iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple also says Apple Intelligence isn’t available in every language or region and that usage limits may apply.