Apple Shortcuts review
A free way to build multi-step automations across Apple devices.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Apple Shortcuts pros and cons
- 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
Apple Shortcuts fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update