App Shortcuts

Complete reference for App Shortcuts framework—pre-configured App Intents that work instantly after install.

When to Use This Skill

• Implement AppShortcutsProvider for your app
• Add suggested phrases for Siri invocation
• Configure instant Spotlight availability
• Create parameterized shortcuts (skip Siri clarification)
• Use NegativeAppShortcutPhrase to prevent false positives (iOS 17+)
• Promote shortcuts with SiriTipView
• Update shortcuts dynamically with updateAppShortcutParameters()
• Debug shortcuts not appearing in Shortcuts app or Spotlight
• Choose between App Intents and App Shortcuts

Key Concepts

AppShortcutsProvider

Your app's single source of App Shortcuts:

struct MyAppShortcuts: AppShortcutsProvider {
    @AppShortcutsBuilder
    static var appShortcuts: [AppShortcut] {
        AppShortcut(
            intent: OrderIntent(),
            phrases: ["Order in \(.applicationName)"],
            shortTitle: "Order",
            systemImageName: "cup.and.saucer.fill"
        )
    }

    static var shortcutTileColor: ShortcutTileColor = .tangerine
}

Suggested Phrases

Phrases users say to Siri or type in Spotlight:

phrases: [
    "Order coffee in \(.applicationName)",
    "Get coffee from \(.applicationName)"
]

The system uses these exact phrases for Siri activation and Spotlight suggestions.

Discovery UI Components

• SiriTipView — Show users the spoken phrase for a shortcut
• ShortcutsLink — Link to your app's page in Shortcuts app
• ShortcutTileColor — Brand your shortcuts with app colors

Where App Shortcuts Appear

Once implemented, your App Shortcuts appear in:

• Siri (voice activation)
• Spotlight (search results)
• Shortcuts app (pre-populated)
• Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra)
• Control Center (quick controls)
• Lock Screen widgets
• Apple Pencil Pro (squeeze gesture)

All locations activate immediately after install.

Related Skills

• app-intents-ref — Complete App Intents implementation reference
• app-discoverability — Strategic guide for making apps discoverable
• core-spotlight-ref — Core Spotlight and NSUserActivity integration