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Apple Shortcuts

Free automation app for iPhone, iPad and Mac, built by Apple

FreeAutomationChecked Oct 5, 20264.2 on the App Store
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What is Apple Shortcuts?

Shortcuts is Apple's own automation app. A shortcut chains actions from Apple's apps and from third-party apps that support it into one task that runs with a tap, a click or a Siri request. On iPhone and iPad, personal automations start a shortcut from an event such as a time of day or arriving at a place. The app is free, and shortcuts sync between devices through iCloud.

Apple Shortcuts is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • iPhone, iPad and Mac owners automating tasks across Apple's apps
  • Routines tied to a time, a place or an alarm on iPhone
  • Anyone who wants automation on Apple devices at no cost

Worth knowing

  • Shortcuts runs only on Apple devices: the App Store lists it for iPhone and iPad, and Apple documents a Mac app. There is no Windows, Android or web version.
  • A third-party app appears in Shortcuts only if its developer supports it; other services have to be reached through web API requests.
  • Keeping shortcuts in step across devices depends on iCloud Sync and on being signed in with the same Apple account.

Key features

Actions
Each shortcut is a series of actions, and each action is one step. The App Store listing cites over 300 built-in actions, and apps that support Siri Shortcuts add their own.
Gallery
A curated collection of ready-made shortcuts. Any of them can be added to your own collection and then edited to suit, which also shows how they are built.
Personal and home automations
On iPhone and iPad, an automation is triggered by an event instead of being started by hand. Triggers include a time of day, an alarm, a sleep schedule and arriving at a place.
Many ways to run a shortcut
On iPhone and iPad: the app, Siri, the Home Screen, a widget, the share sheet, Control Center or an Apple Watch. On a Mac: Finder, Spotlight, the menu bar, a keyboard shortcut or the command line.
iCloud Sync
With iCloud Sync turned on, a shortcut added, changed or removed on one device is updated on the others signed in to the same Apple account, including Apple Watch.
Scripting and web APIs
Advanced actions cover variables, If and Repeat logic, menus and prompts, running JavaScript on a web page, URL schemes and requests to web APIs with JSON parsing.

Apple Shortcuts pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
The US App Store lists Shortcuts as free, with no in-app purchases shown. It needs an iPhone or iPad on iOS 12 or later, or a Mac.
Free trial
None listed
ShortcutsFreeThe whole app: over 300 built-in actions, the Gallery of ready-made shortcuts, personal and home automations, and iCloud sync.

Read from apps.apple.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Apple Shortcuts before you buy.

Pricing in detail

How people rate the Apple Shortcuts app

4.2

out of 5 for the iPhone and iPad app

8,524 ratings on the App Store in the United States, read Oct 5, 2026. It rates the app, not everything the product does. See the listing

Apple Shortcuts reviews, and where to read more

Works with

Apple Shortcuts alternatives

All Apple Shortcuts alternatives comparedAll automation tools

Common questions

Is Apple Shortcuts free?

Yes. Apple Shortcuts is free to use. The US App Store lists Shortcuts as free, with no in-app purchases shown. It needs an iPhone or iPad on iOS 12 or later, or a Mac.

How much does Apple Shortcuts cost?

Apple Shortcuts lists one plan. Shortcuts: Free. Prices were read from apps.apple.com on Oct 5, 2026.

What platforms does Apple Shortcuts work on?

Apple Shortcuts is available on iOS and macOS.

How is Apple Shortcuts rated?

Apple Shortcuts's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.2 out of 5 from 8,524 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Oct 5, 2026. That is the store's rating of the app, not a score from us.

Does Apple Shortcuts have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Apple Shortcuts is listed for iOS and macOS.

Does Apple Shortcuts have a Windows app?

No Windows app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Apple Shortcuts is listed for iOS and macOS.

Is Apple Shortcuts open source?

Apple Shortcuts is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 5, 2026.

What does Apple Shortcuts integrate with?

Apple Shortcuts's listing names Siri, Calendar, Reminders, Maps, Photos, Safari, Health and Music. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Apple Shortcuts?

Apple Shortcuts is made by Apple Inc.

What are the alternatives to Apple Shortcuts?

The closest alternatives to Apple Shortcuts in our directory are IFTTT, Tasker, MacroDroid and Automate. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Apple Shortcuts.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026. What people say is linked where it appears.