SHORTCUTS APP BRINGS CHATBOT-STYLE AI TO IOS 26

Apple's Shortcuts app in iOS 26 introduces a feature that lets users interact with Apple Intelligence language models in a conversational way, resembling a chatbot experience.

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Unlike a dedicated Al app, this functionality is tucked into Shortcuts, allowing custom queries to tap into Apple's in-house Al for answers, summaries, or creative tasks. The feature, available in beta, offers a glimpse of how Apple weaves Al into its ecosystem without a standalone chatbot.

Setting it up is straightforward. Users open Shortcuts, create a new action, and select “Use Model” to access Apple Intelligence. They can type a question, like finding coffee shops or drafting a recipe, and the system responds in a natural, chat-like tone. A follow-up option lets users ask related questions, mimicking a threaded conversation, though it lacks a chat history or persistent interface. This simplicity makes it accessible to anyone familiar with Shortcuts.

The feature supports three models: an on-device version for quick, private responses; a cloud-based model using Private Cloud Compute for more complex queries; and ChatGPT for users with it installed. Each model handles tasks differently, with on-device prioritizing speed and privacy, while the cloud offers richer answers but requires internet. The flexibility lets users choose based on their needs, from offline brainstorming to web-informed research.

WHAT IT CAN DO

The Shortcuts Al action handles a range of tasks, from practical to playful. Users can ask for restaurant recommendations, getting detailed suggestions with notes on ambiance or menu highlights. A query about leftover ingredients might yield recipe ideas with step-by-step prep tips, like wilting spinach just right. The system can summarize PDFs open in Safari, extract action items from meeting notes, or even write a haiku on demand.