The 11 Craziest and Most Advanced Apple Shortcuts I’ve Ever Seen
Introduction
Apple’s Shortcuts app is an advanced automation tool that empowers users to streamline repetitive tasks, enhance productivity, and uncover hidden iOS functionalities. While most users leverage only basic shortcuts, the true potential of Apple Shortcuts remains largely underutilized.
This article explores The 11 Craziest and Most Advanced Apple Shortcuts I’ve Ever Seen, redefining the boundaries of automation on your iPhone or iPad. Whether you seek to boost efficiency, automate intricate workflows, or create innovative digital solutions, these shortcuts will revolutionize how you interact with your Apple device.
1. Instantly Translate Any Text with One Tap
Manually copying text, switching apps, and pasting it into a translator is tedious. This powerful shortcut automates the entire process, translating any selected text in real time.
How It Works:
Highlight text on your iPhone.
Tap Share > Run Shortcut.
The shortcut auto-detects the source language and translates it into your preferred language.
This tool is invaluable for multilingual communication, global travel, and research, allowing seamless cross-linguistic interactions without friction. Whether browsing foreign websites or engaging in international conversations, this shortcut provides seamless language integration.
2. High-Quality YouTube Video Downloader
Downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing is no longer a hassle with this shortcut, which enables users to save videos directly to the Photos or Files app.
Key Features:
Works within Safari or the YouTube app.
Supports high-definition downloads.
Allows background downloading.
Converts videos into MP3 format for easy audio extraction.
Ideal for students, travelers, and content creators, this shortcut ensures uninterrupted access to critical media content, regardless of internet availability or regional restrictions.
3. Location-Based Focus Mode Activation
Automate Focus Mode adjustments depending on your location, ensuring minimal distractions and maximum efficiency.
Example Applications:
Activate Work Focus upon arrival at the office.
Enable Do Not Disturb at bedtime.
Engage Driving Focus when connecting to your car’s Bluetooth.
Initiate Silent Mode upon entering a cinema or library.
This hands-free automation optimizes productivity, digital wellness, and situational awareness, eliminating the need for manual mode toggling.
4. Instant Background Removal from Images
No need for third-party apps—this shortcut extracts subjects from images instantly, generating transparent PNG files.
Steps:
Select an image.
Run the shortcut.
Your iPhone isolates the subject and saves the transparent image.
Share or use the edited image instantly.
Perfect for graphic designers, social media managers, and content creators, this feature streamlines photo editing and enhances creative workflows.
5. Automated Smart Home Control
Integrate HomeKit devices with intelligent automation, enhancing security, comfort, and convenience.
Example Automations:
Activate lights when you arrive home.
Adjust the thermostat before bedtime.
Play calming music when entering your bedroom.
Lock doors and enable security features at night.
This shortcut transforms any living space into a highly responsive smart home, eliminating manual control and improving efficiency.
6. Personalized Daily Briefing
Receive a customized morning summary featuring:
Weather updates
Scheduled events & reminders
Breaking news headlines
Health & fitness stats
Battery alerts
Acting as a virtual personal assistant, this shortcut consolidates critical information into a single, easy-to-digest notification, improving organization and preparedness.
7. Convert Web Pages into PDFs Instantly
Save online content for offline use with a one-tap shortcut that converts any webpage into a PDF while maintaining its original format.
Key Benefits:
Works directly from Safari.
Preserves page layout and formatting.
Saves to Files or Books.
Enables text highlighting before saving.
Essential for students, professionals, and researchers, this shortcut ensures uninterrupted access to essential digital resources.
8. Scheduled Text Message Automation
Eliminate the risk of forgetting important messages by scheduling them in advance.
Use Cases:
Remind colleagues about meetings.
Send birthday wishes at midnight.
Follow up with clients automatically.
Schedule routine family reminders.
This feature enhances communication efficiency and reliability, ensuring crucial messages are always delivered at the perfect time.
9. Intelligent Battery Management
Optimize battery performance by automating power-saving actions.
Features:
Lower screen brightness when battery is low.
Close idle apps after prolonged inactivity.
Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
Enable Low Power Mode automatically at 20% battery.
This shortcut enhances device longevity and energy efficiency, ensuring sustained performance throughout the day.
10. Effortless Water Intake Logging
Stay hydrated with a shortcut that syncs hydration data with Apple Health.
How It Works:
Tap the shortcut after drinking water.
Select the quantity consumed.
Data is logged in Apple Health.
Receive periodic hydration reminders.
A must-have for fitness-conscious users, this feature supports optimal hydration tracking and well-being.
11. Emergency SOS with One-Tap Activation
Enhance personal safety with a shortcut that instantly alerts emergency contacts in distress situations.
Key Features:
Sends a predefined SOS message with live location data.
Automatically dials emergency services if needed.
Works even when the phone is locked.
Triggers an audible alarm for attention-grabbing.
Ideal for solo travelers, commuters, and outdoor adventurers, this shortcut ensures immediate assistance in critical scenarios.
Conclusion
These 11 advanced Apple Shortcuts redefine the boundaries of iOS automation, offering unparalleled efficiency, security, and convenience. Whether you aim to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, or ensure safety, these shortcuts will transform how you interact with your Apple device.
By integrating these automations, users can unlock the full potential of Apple Shortcuts, making everyday digital interactions smarter, faster, and more intuitive. Which shortcut are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 🚀