Apple Shortcuts
Apple Shortcuts: A free way to build multi-step automations across Apple devices. Ranked #7 of 35 in Task Automation Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free automation across Apple devices.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree automation across Apple devices
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free access to custom automations and hundreds of built-in actions
- Event triggers include time, location, and app opening
- Supports Siri, widgets, web APIs, JavaScript, and Apple Watch launch points
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is limited to iOS and macOS
- Features vary by device and operating system
- Workflows depend on available app and service actions
Our verdict on Apple Shortcuts
Apple Shortcuts is a free task-automation app for people using iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. It combines actions from multiple apps into custom, multi-step shortcuts that can run manually, through Siri, from the Home Screen, from a widget, through a share sheet, or through personal automations. Users can start with ready-made Gallery shortcuts or build workflows from individual actions. The published feature set includes event triggers such as time, location, and app opening, along with web API requests, JSON handling, and JavaScript on a webpage.
Pricing is straightforward: the Free plan costs $0 and includes custom automations, hundreds of built-in actions, and the Gallery of ready-made shortcuts. There are no paid tiers described here, so the product’s appeal comes from the breadth of included capabilities rather than plan upgrades. Apple Intelligence features are available in Shortcuts on Mac, while launch points also include Apple Watch. This makes the free offering suitable for personal workflows that connect Apple apps and services without a separate subscription.
Apple Shortcuts is strongest when the workflow stays within Apple’s device ecosystem and benefits from multiple entry points or event-based execution. Siri, widgets, the share sheet, and Apple Watch can make the same shortcut available in different contexts, while web APIs and JSON handling extend workflows beyond built-in app actions. The main boundary is platform coverage: it is available on iOS and macOS, with features varying by device and operating system. Choose it for free automation across Apple devices; consider another task-automation option if your workflows require broader platform coverage.
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Apple Shortcuts pricing
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Apple Shortcuts fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Desktop support | Not verified |
| Scheduled runs | Yes |
| App triggers | Yes |
| Browser automation | Yes |
| Desktop recorder | Not verified |
| Monthly run limit | Not verified |
| Workflow step limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | support.apple.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Apple Shortcuts
- ZapierA broad workflow automation platform with more than 9,000 app integrations.9.3
- MakeA flexible no-code automation platform with multi-step workflows and a free entry plan.9.2
- Microsoft Power AutomateA broad automation suite for Microsoft environments, with paid plans starting at $15 per user monthly.9.0
See all Apple Shortcuts alternatives →
Apple Shortcuts vs the competition
- Apple Shortcuts vs Zapier
- Apple Shortcuts vs Make
- Apple Shortcuts vs Microsoft Power Automate
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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