iOS 26 allows selection of AI model in shortcuts
In future, Apple will allow advanced AI scripting with its shortcuts app. Users have a total of three options.
Apple's Shortcuts app on an iPhone.
(Image: Apple)
As part of iOS 26, Apple will implement numerous new AI functions in its Shortcuts app. These include the ability to interact with content via Apple Intelligence, but also the selection of specific models – something that does not actually work without scripting with on-board tools, as Apple itself makes the respective selection.
Powerful model selection
For example, there is now the "Use Model" function, which allows Apple script authors to select whether the model used should be executed locally ("on-device"), in Apple's cloud(Private Cloud Compute, PCC) or at OpenAI (ChatGPT). This also makes it possible to check how good the respective outputs are, which should be particularly interesting for comparisons between the local and Apple's cloud model.
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In its press releases for iOS 26, Apple indicates how this can be used: for example, a student could use the Apple Intelligence models via a short command to compare an audio transcription of a seminar with their own notes and add any missing information. However, Apple itself doesn't seem to trust its own models: "Users can also use ChatGPT with its broad global knowledge and expertise," the company adds.
Practical features in the gallery
New, pre-formulated shortcuts with Apple Intelligence, which can be found via the gallery, allow the creation of a daily morning overview, the creation of recipes using only ingredients available in the house or the summarization of PDF content. Further shortcuts for Apple Intelligence relate to the existing image generators ("Create Image"), Visual Intelligence (can be opened from a shortcut) and the manipulation of text. With the latter, you can create lists and tables from existing content, correct, rewrite, summarize or change the tone of text.
iOS 26 is expected to be made available in September. Apple Intelligence features in shortcuts are also available on supported Macs and iPads. On the iPhone, at least an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max is required; the iPhone 16 series supports the AI system with all models (including 16e).
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