Hidden Shortcuts automation in iOS 18 you need to know

What Are Shortcuts in iOS 18?

The Shortcuts app, introduced in iOS 12, allows users to create custom workflows that automate tasks on their iPhone or iPad. With iOS 18, Apple has expanded the app's capabilities, adding new actions, triggers, and integration options. While many users are familiar with basic shortcuts, the app contains numerous hidden features and automation possibilities that can significantly enhance productivity.

Getting Started with iOS 18 Shortcuts

If you're new to Shortcuts, here's how to get started:

1. Open the Shortcuts app (pre-installed in iOS 18)
2. Tap Create Shortcut to build a new automation
3. Tap Add Action to browse available actions
4. Search for and select actions that perform the tasks you want to automate
5. Configure each action as needed
6. Tap Done to save your shortcut

Once you've created a shortcut, you can run it from the Shortcuts app, from your home screen, or through automation triggers.

Hidden Shortcuts Automation in iOS 18 You Need to Know

1. Advanced Time-Based Automations

iOS 18 has expanded time-based automation capabilities with more granular control:

• Sunrise/Sunset Triggers: Create automations that run at sunrise or sunset based on your location
• Time Intervals: Set up automations that run at specific intervals (e.g., every 2 hours)
• Weekday/Weekend Differentiation: Create separate automations for weekdays and weekends without duplicating workflows

Example: Automatically enable iOS 18 Focus Mode every weekday at 9 AM when you arrive at work.

2. Device State Triggers

iOS 18 introduces new triggers based on your device's state:

• Device Orientation: Run automations when your device is rotated to landscape or portrait mode
• Screen Brightness: Trigger automations when the screen brightness crosses a specific threshold
• Battery Level: Create workflows that activate when your battery reaches a certain percentage
• Charger Status: Automate tasks when you plug in or unplug your device

Example: Automatically open the iOS 18 Journal app when you place your iPhone in StandBy Mode.

3. Advanced Location-Based Automations

Location-based automations have become more powerful in iOS 18:

• Precise Location Triggers: Set up automations that run when you enter or exit a specific area with increased accuracy
• Location-Based Time Windows: Create automations that only run during specific times when you're at a certain location
• Transit Triggers: Automate tasks based on your transit status (e.g., when you board or exit public transportation)

Example: Send a text message to your family when you leave work and it's after 5 PM.

4. App Interaction Automations

iOS 18 allows for more sophisticated automations based on app interactions:

• App Launch/Close Triggers: Run automations when you open or close specific apps
• App Activity Triggers: Create workflows based on actions within apps (e.g., when you complete a task in a productivity app)
• Multiple App Triggers: Set up automations that require multiple apps to be open simultaneously

Example: Automatically enable Focus Mode when you open both Safari and Notes, indicating you're working on a research project.

5. Advanced Action Combinations

iOS 18 introduces new action combinations that allow for more complex automations:

• Conditional Actions: Create if-then-else statements within your shortcuts
• Loop Actions: Automate repetitive tasks with loop functionality
• Variable Manipulation: Use variables to store and manipulate data within your workflows
• Dictionary Actions: Work with structured data to create more sophisticated automations

Example: Create a shortcut that checks the weather, and if it's raining, sends a text to your partner asking them to pick up groceries on their way home.

6. Hidden System Actions

iOS 18 includes several hidden system actions that can be used in shortcuts:

• Control Center Actions: Automate the toggling of Control Center features (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Low Power Mode)
• Display Actions: Adjust screen brightness, text size, or appearance mode
• Siri Actions: Create custom Siri commands that trigger complex automations
• Notification Actions: Automatically dismiss or interact with notifications

Example: Create a "Good Night" shortcut that enables Low Power Mode, sets your phone to Do Not Disturb, and adjusts the screen brightness to minimum.

7. Third-Party App Integration

iOS 18 has improved third-party app integration in Shortcuts:

• Deep Linking: Create shortcuts that open specific screens within third-party apps
• App-Specific Actions: Access more granular actions within supported third-party apps
• Shared Shortcuts: Share complex shortcuts with friends and colleagues, even if they don't have the same apps installed

Example: Create a shortcut that adds a new task to your preferred to-do app, sets a reminder, and shares the task with your team members.

8. Voice Control Automations

iOS 18 has enhanced voice control capabilities for Shortcuts:

• Natural Language Commands: Create shortcuts that respond to more conversational voice commands
• Voice Activation: Set up hands-free automations that activate when you say a specific phrase
• Multi-Language Support: Create shortcuts that work with multiple languages

Example: Say "Hey Siri, I'm going for a run" to automatically start your favorite workout app, enable Do Not Disturb, and play your running playlist.

9. Camera and Photos Automations

iOS 18 introduces new automations for the Camera and Photos apps:

• Camera Mode Shortcuts: Create shortcuts that open the Camera app in a specific mode (e.g., Portrait, Night mode)
• Photo Editing Automations: Automatically apply filters, crop, or adjust settings on photos that meet specific criteria
• Photo Organization: Create workflows that automatically organize photos into albums based on date, location, or content

Example: Create a shortcut that automatically edits and shares photos you take at concerts or events.

10. Productivity-Boosting Automations

Combine iOS 18's hidden Shortcuts automation features to create powerful productivity workflows:

1. Morning Routine: Create a single shortcut that plays your favorite morning playlist, reads your calendar for the day, and sends a text to your family saying good morning
2. Work Setup: Automatically open your most-used work apps, enable Focus Mode, and connect to your work Wi-Fi when you arrive at the office
3. Evening Wind-Down: Dim the screen, enable Night Shift, and play relaxing music when it's time to unwind
4. Travel Prep: Create a shortcut that checks your flight status, shares your itinerary with family, and sets up your phone for travel (e.g., enable airplane mode, download offline maps)