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Apple Intelligence & Integration

Skills for integrating your app with Apple's system-level experiences: Siri, Apple Intelligence, Shortcuts, Spotlight, and more.

Available Skills

Foundation Models

On-device AI with Apple's Foundation Models framework (iOS 26+):

  • LanguageModelSession — Text generation and conversations
  • @Generable — Structured output with Swift types
  • Streaming — Progressive response display
  • Tool calling — Extend model capabilities

When to use Implementing on-device AI features, structured output, preventing context overflow

Requirements iOS 26+, A17+ or M-series chip


Networking

Network.framework patterns for custom protocols:

  • NWConnection — iOS 12-25 completion-based API
  • NetworkConnection — iOS 26+ async/await API
  • TLV Framing — Message boundaries
  • Service Discovery — Bonjour and Wi-Fi Aware

When to use UDP/TCP connections, peer-to-peer, custom protocols (NOT HTTP — use URLSession)

Requirements iOS 12+


App Intents Integration

Comprehensive guide to the App Intents framework for exposing app functionality to:

  • Siri & Apple Intelligence — Voice commands and intelligent automation
  • Shortcuts — User-created workflows and automations
  • Spotlight — System-wide search integration
  • Focus Filters — Context-aware content filtering
  • Widgets & Live Activities — Dynamic system UI

Key Features

  • Three building blocks: AppIntent, AppEntity, AppEnum
  • Parameter validation and natural language summaries
  • Entity queries for content discovery
  • Background vs foreground execution patterns
  • Authentication policies and security
  • WWDC 2025 updates: IndexedEntity, Apple Intelligence integration, Mac Automations

When to use Exposing app functionality to system experiences, implementing Shortcuts support, debugging intent resolution failures

Requirements iOS 16+


Integration Categories

System Services

  • Siri & Voice Control — Natural language command handling
  • Apple Intelligence — AI-powered automation and reasoning
  • Shortcuts — Custom workflow creation
  • Spotlight — System-wide search

Context & Personalization

  • Focus Filters — Context-aware content filtering
  • Live Activities — Dynamic Lock Screen updates
  • Widgets — Home/Lock Screen content

Platform-Specific

  • Action Button — Apple Watch Ultra quick actions
  • Mac Automations — Automated workflows on macOS
  • Spotlight on Mac — Desktop search integration

Getting Started

  1. Define your app's capabilities — What actions should users be able to perform?
  2. Choose building blocks — AppIntent for actions, AppEntity for content
  3. Implement intents — Create AppIntent conforming types
  4. Test with Shortcuts — Verify intent appears and executes correctly
  5. Add to Siri — Test voice command handling
  6. Integrate with Apple Intelligence — Enable AI-powered automation

See Also

Released under the MIT License