6 iPhone Automations That Are Apple’s Best Kept Secret
Apple’s popular iPhone features various automations, or shortcuts, designed to improve user experience. However, some of these are well-hidden gems that many users may not know about. In this article, we cover six of Apple’s best kept secret iPhone automations:
1. Set custom charging sound:
While your iPhone makes a default sound when connected to a charger, you can customize it with a song or voice recording. To do this, open the Shortcuts app, create a new shortcut, and add the ‘Play Sound’ action followed by your choice of audio.
2. Instantly turn your iPhone into a dictaphone:
A dictaphone comes in handy for capturing quick thoughts or recording conversations. By combining the ‘Record Audio’ action with the ‘Start Recording’ option in the Shortcuts app, you can create a one-tap dictaphone shortcut on your home screen.
3. Send ETA via messaging app:
Sending your estimated time of arrival is crucial when coordinating meetups or keeping family informed during travel. With a shortcut combining ‘Get Travel Time’ and ‘Send Message,’ you can instantly compute travel times and send it to chosen contacts through your preferred messaging app.
4. Create a bedtime routine:
Using automation, establish an evening routine by dimming lights, setting alarms, and enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode before bedtime. The ‘Set Night Mode’ shortcut is customizable to include other actions that signal bedtime such as starting a specific playlist or opening your reading app.
5. Get spoken weather updates:
Stay up-to-date with the current weather conditions without needing to open an app or look at your screen. By creating an automation pathway in the Shortcuts app using actions like ‘Get Weather Data’ and ‘Speak Text,’ Siri can read out the weather details upon request.
6. Run multiple tasks with one tap:
Transform your iPhone into a productivity powerhouse by executing several tasks with a single tap. Build a shortcut that contains a series of actions like opening your preferred to-do list app, starting a new entry, and setting a timer for focused work sessions.
These six iPhone automations elevate the user experience by providing quick access to helpful features and streamlining daily activities. Embrace these hidden gems to boost productivity, convenience, and enjoyment when using your Apple device.