10 Apple Shortcut Hacks Every iPhone User Should Know
Ready to supercharge your iPhone? The Shortcuts app, an unsung hero since 2018, transforms your device into a powerhouse of personalized automation. Think of it as building your own mini-apps: a simple trigger (like a time of day or a button press) unleashes an action (like opening an app or fetching information). With endless combinations, the potential to hack your daily routine is massive.
If you haven't dipped your toes into Shortcuts, you're missing out. It's all about making your iPhone work smarter, not harder. Here are 10 game-changing hacks that’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without them.
Extend your Action Button's capabilities
Got an iPhone with an Action Button? Don't just settle for one function. The "Multi-shortcut Action Button" lets you assign multiple actions by combining it with volume button presses. Now, one button can launch podcasts, send quick messages, or whatever else your heart desires!
Use News Report AI to get your news right in Notes
Tired of web surfing for news? This "News Report AI" shortcut turns your favorite RSS feeds into neat, AI-summarized entries right in Apple Notes. Customize your feeds, run the shortcut, and get your daily briefing without the digital noise.
Save X video clips with this shortcut
Ever wanted to quickly snag a video from X (formerly Twitter)? The "Download X Videos" shortcut makes it effortless. Add it to your iOS share sheet, tap the share icon on any X video, and save clips directly to your device.
Expand your song repertoire with MusicBot
Apple Music users, rejoice! "MusicBot" offers a suite of advanced controls: resurface forgotten tracks, create smart mixes, control AirPlay 2 devices, and manage your queues and playlists with ease. A little setup unlocks a lot of musical magic.
Save Current Location will log where you are
Never forget where you parked, that hidden gem of a coffee shop, or your favorite hiking trail again. The "Save Current Location" shortcut logs your precise GPS coordinates directly into Apple Notes or copies them to your clipboard in a tap.
Low Battery Announcement will save you from a dead phone
Beyond basic battery warnings, the "Low Battery Announcement" shortcut, powered by ChatGPT, lets you customize not just the message but also the voice that delivers your battery alerts. Set up unique warnings for any battery level—no more unexpected dead phones!
Shazam & Save listens for what's playing
This gem, found in the Shortcuts Gallery, takes Apple's already powerful Shazam feature to the next level. Activate it, and your iPhone not only identifies the song playing but also automatically adds it to your Apple Music library.
Personalize your post-morning-alarm routine
Why just dismiss your alarm when you can launch your day? Create a custom automation to play your morning playlist and pull up traffic directions to the office as soon as your alarm stops. Start your day with purpose, every day.
Get a battery warning when leaving the house
Avoid the dread of a dying phone when you're out and about. Set up an automation that checks your battery level and gives you a heads-up alert when you leave home, prompting you to grab a charger.
Run specific actions in your car
Make your car rides smarter with CarPlay automations. Set up a shortcut to automatically play your favorite podcast and display the weather forecast the moment your iPhone connects to CarPlay. Your commute just got an upgrade!
Dive into the Shortcuts app and start customizing. These hacks are just the beginning of what your iPhone can do for you!