iOS 27 has simplified Shortcuts to the point where you have no reason not to utilize them.

      Bid farewell to the difficult setup process. iOS 27 allows you to simply describe a shortcut and watch as it constructs itself.

      Shortcuts is a feature on the iPhone that I often recommend, yet I notice that few utilize it. The reason is straightforward: while Shortcuts is exceptionally powerful, creating one demands some technical knowledge and can be time-consuming.

      To set up a shortcut, you need to link numerous system and app actions. Apple is addressing this issue with iOS 27, which was announced at WWDC 2026. The company is leveraging Apple Intelligence to make Shortcuts more user-friendly than ever, representing a significant update.

      So, how does the new Shortcuts function?

      Rather than manually assembling each step, you can now just describe the desired shortcut in simple language. Apple Intelligence will interpret your description and compile all necessary steps instantly.

      Apple provided a useful example: if you want to inform your partner of your expected arrival time whenever you leave work, you could say something like, “when I’m leaving work, message Pedro I’m on my way with my ETA.”

      In this scenario, Shortcuts organizes the necessary system and app actions. It creates an automation that activates upon departing from your work address, calculates your estimated time of arrival home using Maps, and sends that information via Messages.

      What if changes are needed?

      It's possible that Siri may not accurately create the shortcut on the first attempt. If you notice something you’d like to adjust or add, you can simply describe the modification, and Shortcuts will handle it for you.

      This feature transforms a powerful but daunting tool into something accessible for everyone. For enthusiasts of automation who dislike the setup process, this is a welcomed improvement.

      Rachit Agarwal / Digital Trends

      While I remain somewhat doubtful about its ability to generate complex shortcuts, akin to those I mentioned in my favorite shortcuts article, I acknowledge that there has never been a better opportunity to explore Shortcuts.

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      Apple has introduced new child safety features amid increasing pressure on major tech companies.

      Apple unveiled a new array of child safety tools at WWDC 2026, granting parents greater authority over what their children can view, download, and explore online on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This update comes as governments intensify their demands on tech firms to enhance online protection for children. Australia has already begun to limit social media access for users under 16, with several European nations considering similar actions. Besides the duration of screen time, parents and regulators are also worried about harmful content, online strangers, social media, and whether children are accessing the internet before they are ready.

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      Siri receives its largest upgrade to date, becoming more personalized than ever.

      Apple has finally fulfilled its long-standing promises: it has completely rebuilt Siri and significantly upgraded its intelligence. The new Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence, is no longer just a conventional voice assistant. It’s being developed as a more conversational, context-aware companion that understands your intent, location, and even what you were doing moments ago.

      This latest iteration of Siri aligns closely with the assistant Apple has envisioned for years, feeling more usable for daily interactions. Central to this new Siri is its reliance on Apple Intelligence, allowing it to go beyond basic commands. It can extract information from the web, applications, and your personal data—such as messages, emails, and photos—to provide responses that seem personalized and relevant to your life.

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      Apple's new AI photo tool can transform the camera's position in photos.

      Spatial Reframing is a new feature powered by Apple Intelligence, allowing users to adjust the camera's position after a photo has been taken. It employs AI to naturally fill in the gaps of the scene, effectively changing the framing of the shot after the fact.