Key Points
- iOS 18 enhances the Shortcuts app with new actions for automation.
- Users can create custom shortcuts to streamline tasks like messaging or journaling.
- New features include accessibility, productivity, and app-specific actions.
- Steps to create shortcuts are straightforward and accessible via the Shortcuts app.
Overview
The Shortcuts app in iOS 18 allows users to automate tasks by creating custom workflows. With new actions introduced in iOS 18, you can enhance productivity, accessibility, and app interactions. This guide provides clear steps to create shortcuts and highlights some exciting new features.
How to Create a Shortcut
To start, open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the “+” button to create a new shortcut, name it, and add actions from various apps. Once configured, save the shortcut for use from the app, Home Screen, or Control Center.
Notable New Shortcuts
iOS 18 introduces actions like “Describe This” for Magnifier, “Create Entry” for Journal, and “Open Conversation” for Messages. These allow you to automate tasks such as describing scenes, journaling, or accessing specific chats quickly.
Getting Started
Explore the Shortcuts app to discover more actions. Visit Apple Support for detailed guides or check How-To Geek for practical examples.
Exploring iOS 18 Shortcuts: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
The Shortcuts app in iOS 18 has been significantly enhanced, offering users powerful tools to automate tasks and streamline their iPhone and iPad experience. From accessibility improvements to productivity boosts, the new actions in iOS 18 make it easier to customize workflows. This article provides a detailed guide on creating custom shortcuts and explores some of the most impactful new actions introduced in iOS 18, including step-by-step instructions for implementation.
Understanding Shortcuts in iOS 18
A shortcut is a quick way to perform one or more tasks with your apps. The Shortcuts app allows you to create multi-step workflows by combining actions, which are single tasks performed by apps or services. For example, you could create a shortcut that retrieves a weather forecast, sends a message, and plays a playlist with a single tap. iOS 18 expands this functionality with new actions across various apps, improved performance, and enhanced customization options.
Creating a Custom Shortcut
Creating a shortcut in iOS 18 is straightforward and can be done directly in the Shortcuts app. Follow these steps to build your own custom shortcut:
- Open the Shortcuts App: Locate the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad and open it.
- Start a New Shortcut: Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner to begin creating a new shortcut.
- Name Your Shortcut: Tap “New Shortcut” at the top, then select “Rename” to give it a descriptive name (e.g., “Morning Routine”). Tap “Done” to confirm.
- Add Actions: Tap “Add Action” to browse available actions. Actions are organized by categories (e.g., Apps, Media, Location) or can be searched directly. Select an action to add it to your shortcut.
- Configure Actions: Depending on the action, you may need to specify details, such as selecting a contact for a messaging action or choosing a playlist for a music action.
- Add Additional Actions: To create a multi-step shortcut, swipe up on the search field and add more actions as needed. Actions will execute in the order they appear.
- Save the Shortcut: Once all actions are configured, tap “Done” to save your shortcut. It will appear in the “All Shortcuts” and “My Shortcuts” sections of the app.
- Test the Shortcut: Tap the shortcut in the Shortcuts app, then tap the play button to run it. If needed, tap the stop button to halt execution.
Tip: You can also create a shortcut by touching and holding the Shortcuts app icon on the Home Screen and selecting “Create Shortcut.” To modify a shortcut, use the undo/redo buttons or tap an action to remove it.
Adding Shortcuts to Home Screen or Control Center
To make shortcuts more accessible, you can add them to your Home Screen or Control Center:
- Home Screen: In the Shortcuts app, tap a shortcut, then tap the three dots to open Details. Select “Add to Home Screen,” customize the icon or name if desired, and confirm. The shortcut will appear as an app icon on your Home Screen (Apple Support).
- Control Center: iOS 18 includes a Shortcuts Control in Control Center. Go to Settings > Control Center, add the Shortcuts control, and configure it to run a specific shortcut or open an app (Apple Support).
New Shortcuts in iOS 18
iOS 18 introduces a variety of new actions across different apps and system functions, enhancing the Shortcuts app’s versatility. Below is a detailed look at some of the most notable additions, organized by category, along with step-by-step examples for creating shortcuts using these actions.
1. Magnifier Shortcuts
The Magnifier app in iOS 18 gains new actions that enhance accessibility by leveraging the iPhone’s camera to describe scenes or read text aloud. These actions are particularly useful for visually impaired users but can benefit anyone needing quick identification of objects or text.
| Action | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Describe This | Provides a vocal description of the camera view. | Identify objects while shopping. |
| Open Reader | Opens Magnifier’s reader to read detected text. | Read small print on labels. |
| Start Point & Speak | Reads text pointed at by the camera. | Read signs or menus. |
| Start Activity | Identifies items or reads tags in the environment. | Scan barcodes or product tags. |
Example: Create a “Describe Scene” Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Magnifier.”
- Select “Describe This.”
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to hear a vocal description of what your camera sees.
This shortcut is ideal for identifying unfamiliar items in real-time, such as products in a store (How-To Geek).
2. Freeform and Journal Shortcuts
iOS 18 enhances productivity with new actions for the Freeform and Journal apps, enabling quick creation and management of collaborative boards and personal entries.
| Action | App | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create Board | Freeform | Creates a new collaborative whiteboard. | Start a brainstorming session. |
| Open Board | Freeform | Opens an existing Freeform board. | Access a specific project board. |
| Create Entry | Journal | Creates a new text-based journal entry. | Log daily thoughts or events. |
| Create Audio Entry | Journal | Creates a new audio-based journal entry. | Record voice memos. |
| Search Entries | Journal | Searches through existing journal entries. | Find past reflections. |
Example: Create a “New Journal Entry” Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Journal.”
- Select “Create Entry.”
- Optionally, add text or media (e.g., photos) to the entry configuration.
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to create a new journal entry instantly.
This shortcut simplifies journaling by allowing you to log thoughts or memories with a single tap ([How-To Geek](https://www.howtogeek.com/these-new-ios-18-shortcuts-actions-changed-the-way-i- use-my-iphone/)).
3. Music Focus Filter
The “Set Music Focus Filter” action allows you to customize how the Music app behaves when a specific Focus mode (e.g., Work, Do Not Disturb) is active, enhancing your ability to tailor your audio experience.
Example: Set Music to Playlists in Work Mode
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Music.”
- Select “Set Music Focus Filter.”
- Choose the Focus mode (e.g., Work) and set the filter to “Playlists.”
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Activate the Work Focus mode to have the Music app switch to playlists automatically.
This action is perfect for maintaining focus during work hours by ensuring only your preferred music plays (How-To Geek).
4. Accessibility Shortcuts
iOS 18 introduces accessibility-focused actions to improve usability for users with visual or motor impairments.
| Action | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Set Hover Text Enabled | Enables/disables larger text display. | Improve readability of documents. |
| Set Switch Control Switch State | Manipulates switches in apps. | Navigate apps with assistive devices. |
Example: Toggle Hover Text
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Accessibility.”
- Select “Set Hover Text Enabled.”
- Choose to enable or disable Hover Text.
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to toggle Hover Text for better readability.
This shortcut is useful for users who need larger text temporarily, such as when reading fine print (Apple Support).
5. Wallet Shortcut
The “Open Card” action allows quick access to a specific card or pass in the Wallet app, streamlining tasks like accessing transit passes or loyalty cards.
Example: Open Frequent Flyer Card
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Wallet.”
- Select “Open Card.”
- Choose the card (e.g., Frequent Flyer).
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to open the selected card in the Wallet app.
This shortcut is ideal for frequent travelers who need quick access to boarding passes or loyalty cards (How-To Geek).
6. Messages Shortcut (iOS 18.4)
Introduced in iOS 18.4, the “Open Conversation” action allows you to open a specific Messages conversation directly, making it easier to access frequent chats.
Example: Open Family Chat Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Messages.”
- Select “Open Conversation.”
- Choose the desired conversation (e.g., Family group chat).
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to open the selected conversation in Messages.
This shortcut is particularly convenient when added to the Home Screen or Control Center for quick access to important chats (9to5Mac).
7. Clock Shortcuts (iOS 18.4)
New actions for the Clock app allow you to manage world clock cities programmatically.
| Action | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Add City | Adds a city to the World Clock. | Track time in a new travel destination. |
| Remove City | Removes a city from the World Clock. | Clean up unused cities. |
Example: Add Tokyo to World Clock
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap “+” to create a new shortcut.
- Tap “Add Action” and search for “Clock.”
- Select “Add City.”
- Enter “Tokyo” as the city name.
- Tap “Done” to save.
- Run the shortcut to add Tokyo to your World Clock.
This shortcut is useful for travelers or those working across time zones (Apple Support).
Additional Enhancements in iOS 18
Beyond new actions, iOS 18 improves the Shortcuts app with:
- Improved Shortcuts Editor: Faster search, better action categorization, and over 200 new icon glyphs for customization (Apple Support).
- Control Center Integration: A new Shortcuts Control allows running shortcuts directly from Control Center (Apple Support).
- Updated Actions: Actions like “If” now support multiple conditions, and “Match Text” indicates invalid regular expressions, enhancing reliability (Apple Support).
Practical Tips for Using Shortcuts
- Explore the Gallery: The Shortcuts app includes a Gallery with pre-built shortcuts. Browse it for inspiration or add shortcuts to customize (Apple Support).
- Check Permissions: Some actions may require app permissions. When prompted, allow access to ensure the shortcut functions correctly (iPhone Life).
- Test Shortcuts: Always test your shortcut after creation to ensure it works as expected. Use the play button in the Shortcuts app to run it.
- Backup Shortcuts: Create iCloud links for your shortcuts to share or back them up using the “Create iCloud Link for Shortcut” action (Apple Support).
Conclusion
The Shortcuts app in iOS 18 empowers users to automate tasks with unprecedented flexibility, thanks to new actions for apps like Magnifier, Journal, Messages, and Clock. By following the step-by-step instructions provided, you can create custom shortcuts tailored to your needs, whether for accessibility, productivity, or convenience. Explore the Shortcuts app, experiment with new actions, and visit resources like Apple Support and How-To Geek for further inspiration.
Key Citations
- Apple Support: Create a custom shortcut on iPhone or iPad
- Apple Support: What’s new in Shortcuts for iOS 18
- Apple Support: Add a shortcut to the Home Screen
- Apple Support: Shortcuts User Guide
- How-To Geek: New iOS 18 Shortcuts Actions
- 9to5Mac: iOS 18.4 Messages Feature
- iPhone Life: How to Make a Shortcut on iPhone
