Apple today updated its Shortcuts app for iPhones and iPads to version 2.1, introducing new capabilities that can be used to create various automations and shortcuts using first and third-party apps.

The new 2.1 version of the app brings new options for creating weather and forecast shortcuts, setting alarms and timers, converting between units, and importing recent photos.

shortcutslibrary
Apple's full release notes for the update are below:

- Use the latest weather in your shortcuts with the new Get Current Weather and Get Weather Forecast actions
- Set alarms and timers with the new Create Alarm, Toggle Alarm, and Start Timer actions
- Convert between a variety of units with the new Measurement and Convert Measurement actions
- Get the most recent set of imported photos from the Photos app using the Get Last Import action
- When running a shortcut from HomePod using Siri, media will now automatically play back from HomePod using AirPlay
- Bug fixes

Learn more and see the full list of changes at https://support.apple.com/HT209087.

Siri Shortcuts, introduced in iOS 12, is a feature designed to let you create multi-step shortcuts using first and third-party apps that can be activated by Siri voice command.

So, for example, you can create a shortcut to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command.

Shortcuts are deeply customizable and can be created and found through Apple's Shortcuts app, available from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

subjonas Avatar
64 months ago
Cool but I’m reallllly waiting for automatic triggers based on conditions (time, location, maybe even other things like weather, or third party app triggers) and more control over device settings. Not sure why you can’t already do things like turn on/off Do Not Disturb. Maybe security.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
64 months ago
I want to define triggers for shortcuts. Let me just assign a shortcut to automatically run during an event on the calendar, or on a timer, or when I connect to a bluetooth device, or when I enter or exit a location.

Being able to create these little scripts I can run manually is a neat first step, but triggers would take it from nifty to useful.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
McKodiak Avatar
64 months ago
I've been toying around with Shortcuts and it seems powerful. It would be nice if there was a better way to share Shortcuts among users. The Gallery is nice but real users creating real shortcuts and being able to share them would be fruitful to other users.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dbrewood Avatar
64 months ago
I'm still hoping they'll bring back the AW application.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
64 months ago
I want to define triggers for shortcuts. Let me just assign a shortcut to automatically run during an event on the calendar, or on a timer, or when I connect to a bluetooth device, or when I enter or exit a location.
Seriously, how great would it be to have your phone go into Do Not Disturb during a certain calendar event or location! I hope they keep deepening this integration.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nitramluap Avatar
64 months ago
No HomeKit triggers still? Ugh...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 16 Mock Header With Dynamic Island

Skipping the iPhone 15 Pro? Here's What's Rumored for iPhone 16 Pro

Friday September 22, 2023 9:29 am PDT by
Are you skipping the iPhone 15 Pro and waiting another year to upgrade? If so, we already have some iPhone 16 Pro rumors for you. Below, we recap new features rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models so far:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain...
Apple WWDC23 macOS Sonoma hero

macOS Sonoma Launching This Week With These New Features

Sunday September 24, 2023 12:45 pm PDT by
Apple previously announced that macOS Sonoma will be released this Tuesday, September 26. The free software update includes many new features and changes for the Mac, including the five that we have highlighted below. In addition to these five features, we have shared the full release notes for macOS Sonoma below for a complete overview of everything new. Desktop Widgets macOS Sonoma...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 double tap gesture 230912

watchOS 10.1 to Enable Apple Watch's New 'Double Tap' Gesture

Thursday September 21, 2023 12:52 pm PDT by
The new Double Tap gesture for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be enabled starting with watchOS 10.1, according to Marques Brownlee, host of the popular tech-focused YouTube channel MKBHD. The first beta of watchOS 10.1 will likely be available by next week, and Apple announced that the software update will be released next month. Brownlee shared his impressions...