An Apple Shortcuts Masterclass: Automate Your iPhone Like a Pro
If you’ve ever wished your iPhone could predict your next move, An Apple Shortcuts masterclass might be the game changer you need. Imagine your phone sending a “heading home” text the moment you leave work or silencing notifications as soon as you open your favorite reading app. That’s the magic of Apple Shortcuts — when they’re set up right, it can feel like your phone reads your mind.
But as intuitive as it sounds, mastering Shortcuts isn’t always simple. That’s why The Vergecast dives deep into what makes Apple Shortcuts both brilliant and baffling, breaking down the promise and pitfalls of automating your digital life.
The Magic and Mayhem of Apple Shortcuts
An Apple Shortcuts masterclass wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging its complexity. Co-host David Pierce admits he’s long been skeptical of Shortcuts, calling them “too complicated to be truly useful.” But on this episode, he’s joined by Stephen Robles — a podcaster and creator who’s built a career out of simplifying Shortcuts for everyday users.
Their lively discussion explores what Apple got right, what still frustrates users, and how new AI integrations could make automation smoother and smarter.
Smarter Living Through Automation
Automation isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming time and mental space. With insights from An Apple Shortcuts masterclass, you’ll learn how to build routines that reflect your daily rhythm — whether it’s automatically dimming the lights at bedtime or launching your work playlist when you open Slack.
Robles shares some of his favorite Shortcuts, from creative automations for smart home control to productivity boosts powered by AI. The conversation highlights how Apple’s automation tools can make your devices feel more personal than ever.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display and the Future of Smart Devices
Before diving fully into Shortcuts, The Verge’s Victoria Song offers a hands-on review of the Meta Ray-Ban Display, a pair of smart glasses with an integrated screen. After wearing them daily for weeks, she unpacks what works, what doesn’t, and what features still need refinement. The tech may be impressive, but one big question remains: is this something users truly want?
This conversation sets the stage for a broader discussion about how smart devices — from glasses to phones — are evolving to understand us better through automation.
The Future of Apple Shortcuts and AI
The potential for AI to supercharge automation is at the heart of An Apple Shortcuts masterclass. As Apple continues to refine its ecosystem, integration with generative AI could make building and running Shortcuts more intuitive. Imagine simply describing what you want — “Create a Shortcut that sends my ETA to my partner when I leave work” — and having your phone build it for you.
Stephen Robles envisions a near future where Shortcuts aren’t just for tech-savvy users but for anyone who wants their iPhone to anticipate their needs.
Takeaways from An Apple Shortcuts Masterclass
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Automation is personal. Your Shortcuts should match your habits and lifestyle.
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Start simple. Build one automation at a time — like setting up a daily focus mode or auto-sending reminders.
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Leverage AI. As Apple integrates more AI tools, automations will become even easier to create and maintain.
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Stay curious. Explore prebuilt Shortcuts from creators like Robles for inspiration.
An Apple Shortcuts masterclass shows that automation isn’t about replacing human action — it’s about enhancing it. Whether you’re a skeptic like David Pierce or a power user like Stephen Robles, there’s real potential in Apple’s automation platform to make everyday tech interactions smarter, faster, and more personal.
Ready to make your phone work for you? Start small, experiment often, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever lived without Shortcuts.
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