The Shortcuts app, initially an indie project known as Workflow, may be getting a important upgrade. The tool was designed to make automation more approachable for users of all technical skill levels.

While Shortcuts remains a useful tool, especially on the Mac, it has not kept pace with the advancements in agentic AI. However, this could soon change.

According to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple is planning a major overhaul of the Shortcuts app, incorporating AI capabilities through its Apple Intelligence initiative:

“A revamped version of its Shortcuts app, which today lets users create actions such as launching certain features within apps or playing a particular playlist. The new version will let consumers create those actions using Apple Intelligence models. (This had long been planned for 2025,but delays may push it to 2026.)”

An AI-based Shortcuts app could enable more natural language interactions,simplifying automation for users who find the current interface challenging.

This move aligns with the trend of integrating AI into system-level functionalities. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs feature an agent capable of performing actions and adjusting system settings based on natural language commands.

Imagine combining this with AI-generated automations triggered by voice or text prompts, such as: “When I start a Zoom, Teams, Meet, or FaceTime call, activate Do Not Disturb, dim the screen, and open Notes. During the meeting,capture participant names,job titles,and key discussion points. After the call, draft an email summarizing the meeting and outlining each person’s action items.“

While this might potentially be simple for some, it might very well be a powerful tool for many users.

I’ll say it again: MCP

“The new version will let consumers create those actions using Apple Intelligence models. (This had long been planned for 2025, but delays may push it to 2026.)”

Anthropic’s MCP, an open standard designed to facilitate integration between AI assistants and external data sources, has been adopted by major players like Google and OpenAI.

While it is indeed uncertain whether Apple will adopt MCP, it could further enhance automation capabilities beyond system settings and local app control.

Given that this AI-powered Shortcuts feature might potentially be delayed to 2026, it is indeed unlikely to be showcased at the June 9 WWDC keynote.

Though, it is indeed encouraging that Apple is addressing this aspect of agentic AI. Whether it will deliver on its promise remains to be seen.