Yes—you can describe what you want your iPhone to do and, on supported devices, use Apple Intelligence to help create a Shortcut. Apple calls this natural-language creation, not “vibe-coding.” You can also build the same kind of repeatable workflow the established way: add and arrange actions in the Shortcuts editor, then run it to test. Here’s how to get started and decide which approach fits.
What an iPhone Shortcut does
A Shortcut is a repeatable workflow made from actions. Apple describes each shortcut as “a series of actions,” with each action performing one step. A workflow might pass information from one action to another or combine steps across apps.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $584.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.00 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can start one yourself or choose a ready-made shortcut in the Gallery. A shortcut can be run manually, launched with Siri, placed on the Home Screen or in a widget, used from Apple Watch, or made available through another app’s share sheet. These are ways to start a shortcut; they are distinct from an automation that starts in response to an event.
How to make your own iPhone Shortcut with AI—or without it
Option 1: Describe the task with Apple Intelligence
If Apple Intelligence and natural-language shortcut creation are available on your iPhone, describe the outcome you want in plain language. Keep the request focused on a small task you repeat, such as a sequence involving a few actions or apps. A description is a starting point, not a promise that every arbitrary request can be automated.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Review what Shortcuts creates. Check the actions and their order, make any changes you need, and run the shortcut to see whether it produces the intended result. Apple documents running a shortcut as part of the creation and testing workflow.
Option 2: Start with the Gallery or build actions yourself
If AI creation is unavailable—or you would rather control every step—open the Shortcuts app and choose a Gallery shortcut as a starting point, or create a custom shortcut in the editor. Add actions, arrange them in the order you want, and run the shortcut to test it. Adjust the sequence if the result is not what you intended.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
This action-by-action route is the broadly applicable way to build a shortcut. Apple Intelligence is optional; you do not need AI or an accessory to make an ordinary shortcut.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
When to use a personal automation
A manually run shortcut starts when you choose to run it. A personal automation starts in response to a supported event instead—for example, a time of day, arriving at a location, or an NFC trigger. You can make a shortcut first, test that it works when started manually, and then consider whether an event trigger would be useful.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Automation behavior depends on the trigger and the actions involved. Some trigger types can run without asking, but individual actions may have their own settings for automatic execution. Check the options for the specific trigger and actions you use rather than assuming every automation runs unattended.
NFC is optional: it is a way to start a personal automation, not a requirement for making shortcuts. If you choose an NFC-triggered workflow, a programmable NFC tag can provide the physical trigger; Apple documents the trigger but does not endorse a particular tag brand.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
What Apple Intelligence models change
Apple documents model-backed actions in Shortcuts, including choices involving on-device and cloud models as well as an extension-model option. Its guide describes the on-device option as suited to straightforward requests and cloud options as able to handle more complex requests. Which choices you see depends on your setup; these are options, not a guarantee that every model or feature is available to every user.
Recommended Free Tools
Some model-backed steps can use information passed into them by earlier actions. Before using one, inspect the workflow and consider what information it sends to a model. Use a model step only when it contributes something useful to the task; many straightforward shortcuts can be built from ordinary actions.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Check whether AI creation is available on your iPhone
Apple’s Shortcuts guide says Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model or later. Availability also varies by language and region, and usage limits may apply. Requirements and feature availability can change, so check Apple’s current guide and your device’s settings before planning around AI creation.
These Apple Intelligence eligibility requirements apply to the AI features, not to ordinary shortcut creation. If your iPhone does not offer natural-language creation, use the Gallery or assemble and test actions in the editor instead.
Quick Recap
A practical first workflow
- Choose a repeatable task. Pick one small job you actually want to do more easily, rather than asking for an open-ended automation.
- Choose a starting point. Describe the task with Apple Intelligence if that feature is available, or find a Gallery shortcut or create one in the action editor.
- Inspect the steps. Check the actions and their sequence, especially if one step passes information to another or uses a model.
- Run it to test. Confirm that the result matches the task; revise the actions or their order if it does not.
- Add an event trigger only if useful. Once the shortcut works on demand, consider a supported personal-automation trigger and review its automatic-running settings.
Apple’s Shortcuts guidance
- Create a custom shortcut
- Shortcuts User Guide
- Use Apple Intelligence in Shortcuts
- Set up personal automations
- Enable or disable a personal automation
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
