The big addition to Shortcuts in iOS 26, though, is the fact that you can now access on-device Apple Intelligence for your workflows as well as tap into ChatGPT. That raises the possibility of developing even more sophisticated workflows, making the Shortcuts app irresistible to use, even for holdouts like me.

Apple announced in June that the release of iOS 26 would first appear as developer betas as usual, with the first public beta set for July. When it reaches general release it will be on the 2025 releases, iPhone 17 series, as well the iPhone 16 series and plenty of much earlier models.

As well as a refreshed new look for system components like buttons and tabbars, the Liquid Glass redesign of iOS 26 also extends to app icons. For the first time since iOS 7, Apple has redrawn all of the system apps with new artwork. That means a whole new look is coming to your iPhone home screen this fall.