Apple’s upcoming macOS 27 release will introduce a new way to build Shortcuts: users will be able to type what they want to happen instead of dragging and dropping actions. The feature, part of the broader Shortcuts automation tool, aims to simplify workflow creation for both novice and advanced users.
Shortcuts, originally introduced in iOS and later expanded to macOS, allow users to automate repetitive tasks such as resizing images, sending scheduled messages, or launching multiple apps. The current interface relies on a visual editor where users assemble actions from a library. The typing-based approach eliminates that step, enabling natural language commands to generate the same automations.
Current Access via Third Party Tools
While macOS 27 is expected to ship this fall, developers and power users can already experiment with similar functionality through Claude Code and Codex. These tools, built on large language models, interpret typed instructions and generate corresponding Shortcut scripts. Users can describe a task in plain English, and the system outputs a ready to run automation.
This workaround does not require beta access to macOS 27 or any new hardware. It functions on current macOS versions, provided the user has installed the relevant software. The availability underscores how generative AI is increasingly intersecting with operating system level automation tools.
Implications for Workflow Automation
The typing method reduces the learning curve for Shortcuts, which has historically required familiarity with Apple’s action library and logic chains. By lowering the barrier to entry, Apple may attract a broader user base to automation, from casual users to enterprise teams.
Developers have noted that the AI driven approach also introduces new possibilities. For example, users can combine multiple steps without manually configuring each one, and the system can suggest optimizations based on context. However, accuracy depends on the clarity of the typed instruction and the underlying model’s understanding of Apple’s framework.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Trends
Apple’s move follows similar integrations by Microsoft, which added Copilot to Power Automate, and Google, which offers natural language triggers in AppSheet. These companies are positioning AI as a bridge between user intent and technical execution, reducing friction in task automation.
Third party tools like Claude Code and Codex, while not directly affiliated with Apple, demonstrate consumer demand for this functionality. Their rapid adoption suggests that the typing based Shortcuts feature could become a key selling point for macOS 27.
For those who prefer not to wait, these external tools offer a practical alternative. Users should verify compatibility with their current system and review documentation for setup steps, as the process varies by tool.
Outlook and Next Steps
Apple has not disclosed a specific release date for macOS 27, but the company typically announces new OS versions at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, followed by a public launch in September or October. Beta testing may begin shortly after the conference.
Until then, users interested in typed Shortcuts can explore Claude Code or Codex as interim solutions. Official documentation from Apple will likely clarify how the native feature will differ from third party implementations. The broader trend points toward more intuitive automation interfaces across all major platforms.
