On Sunday, September 8, on the Mac Power Users podcast, I had the pleasure of joining hosts David Sparks and Stephen Hackett – here’s the show notes:
Matt Cassinelli joins the show to discuss his background with Workflow and Apple and how it led to him becoming the “Shortcuts Guy.” The group then discusses Apple’s automation tools across its platforms, and how those tools have extended to the web.
Check out the Mac Power Users in Apple Podcasts or listen to the episode below:
From yours truly on YouTube:
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is underway for 2024 and one of the big announcements out of their keynote is Apple Intelligence, their big artificial intelligence play.
Check out the recap of the announcement and all the capabilities coming – and stay tuned for follow-up videos where I cover each feature in-depth.
From Issue 105 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
WWDC is just two weeks away and iOS 17.5 has been out along with new iPad Pros for a bit now, bringing new Shortcuts actions for Puzzles in Apple News, a Squeeze gesture for Apple Pencil Pro that can run a shortcut, and Vocal Shortcuts coming as an accessibility feature next year.
On my front, I’ve been guesting on MacRumors and Automators to wrap up the end of the year, gave a big presentation to the iOS Developer Happy Hour group about App Shortcuts for developers, and set up a variety of folders in the Shortcuts Catalog.
I also don’t normally like to tease stuff, but I’ve been reaching Peak Home Screen and Peak Stream Deck, with lots more in store for the summer – I have Elgato gear to give away at WWDC too 😈.
From Issue 104 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 104 of What’s New in Shortcuts!
We’re far out of the Apple Vision Pro hype cycle and WWDC tickets are in developers’ inboxes already – however, iPad rumors are still swirling for May as well.
iOS 17.4 has been released, which brought new actions to Shortcuts for the Action button, as well a general stability that’s been much needed – there are still Feedback reports to file for 17.5, however.
In the Shortcuts Catalog, I’ve been going deep on entertainment shortcuts, plus Mac window management on the livestream. Plus, I linked to many videos, app updates, and stories worth checking out.
Here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
From Issue 103 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
This issue is full of Apple Vision Pro links, and my return to YouTube with one unboxing video, a livestream, and a concept video – plus handy media shortcuts, a fix from Feedback, app updates you might’ve missed, and new Tim Robinson-inspired AirTag gear?
And, to finish it all off, two announcements!
From Issue 102 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 102 of What’s New in Shortcuts!
In this first issue of the new year, I’ve recapped everything from December and early January – from multiple sets of shortcuts I’ve released, to news about former Shortcuts team members, to the upcoming Apple Vision Pro launch.
Plus, I’ve redesigned the front page of my site – check it out: matthewcassinelli.com.
Until next time, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
Read the full issue on MailerLite.
From Issue 101 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 101 of What’s New in Shortcuts!
Since the last issue in September, I’ve entirely moved from California to Oregon—hence the lack of regular issues as of late—while Shortcuts has gone pro in a big way as one of the main features of the new iPhone 15 Pro – the Action button.
I’ve collected a swath of Action button ideas from the community, shared a big set of apps that are updated for iOS 17, and released a whole new collection in the Shortcuts Library – including a massive new section for members.
Plus, for today only, there’s a special Cyber Monday discount on annual memberships – get your subscription locked in before the price goes up next year.
And, just to leave you with a teaser, I have my first set of Apple review units to cover soon – iPhone 15 Pro, M2 iPad Pro, and the OG Apple Watch Ultra… 🙂
Until next time, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
On Saturday, November 18, I had the pleasure of joining KTLA’s Rich DeMuro as a guest on Rich On Tech to talk about Shortcuts – my segment starts around 53:00:
Rich discusses iPhone 15 Pro impressions, using shortcuts on iPhones, Wi-Fi tips, and answers listener questions about laptop batteries, cleaning PCs, and using eSIM cards.
Check out Rich On Tech in Apple Podcasts or listen to the episode below:
On Thursday, September 28, I had the pleasure of joining Tim Chaten as a guest on iPad Pros to talk about:
Matthew Cassinelli is back for our 6th annual catchup on what’s new with Shortcuts! Shortcuts 7 is now available for iPadOS 17, iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma! If you want to listen to our past episodes; check out episodes 41, 42, 58, 90, 91, 122, 149, and 151.
Check out iPad Pros in Apple Podcasts or listen to the episode below:
From Issue 100 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 100 of What’s New in Shortcuts!!
Since the last issue mid-August, things have slowed down as developers gear up for iOS 17 and the betas stabilize a bit more.
We have some good news around Alex Hay’s apps, a new release of Obscura, and I’m ramping up podcasting again with Clockwise and my second members-only show – I talk about a lot of updates coming soon in that episode.
Otherwise, I wanted to thank you for your support as a reader of my newsletter – here’s to the next 100 issues!
Until next time, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
From Issue 99 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Since the last issue at the end of July, we’ve seen two beta releases – and with it, a major change to Shortcuts automations in the form of Location automations gaining true background support.
Plus, App Shortcuts are coming to Apple Watch and HomePod – make sure to read up on the limitations, however.
Further, the Camera app actions teased in the developer sessions are now out – I got to test them in a real-life situation at a music festival this weekend.
Also, I made Apple Music’s new Discovery Radio into a shortcut, and released a set of Keynote shortcuts I’ve been using lately for some client work.
Otherwise, we’re looking ahead at the home stretch ahead of the full iOS 17 release coming in September – I hope apps are updating their App Shortcuts for Spotlight!
Until next issue, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
Read the full issue on MailerLite.
From Issue 98 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 98 of What’s New in Shortcuts!
Since the last issue in mid-July, news has been a bit quiet on the Shortcuts front thanks to a delayed second public beta – developer beta 3 was a bit rough, and now beta 4 is out today along with the public beta late in the he day.
As such, I held off on a few stories related to beta features that I have yet to cover, so my Automations and Widget coverage are coming tomorrow morning instead.
However, I did discover a new action in the betas, plus uploaded my new Threads scraping tool to the Library too – shortcuts are live now, and stories on those are coming later this week as well.
Otherwise, I published a couple of holdover posts on Threads, a few interesting tips related to power user features you might use if you’re a Shortcuts fan, and a series of linked posts to check out.
Until next issue, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
From Issue 97 of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 97 of What’s New in Shortcuts!
It’s been too long since my last newsletter – but we’re back just after the iOS 17 public beta, with coverage in full swing after my post-WWDC vacation (and first case of COVID 😖).
Since last time, I’ve revamped my process for the Shortcuts Catalog, restarted regular coverage on my blog, dug deep on YouTube videos (coming very soon), and, last but not least, have just published the first episode of my new membership podcast.
My goal with these changes is to cover the same material I’ve always published in the newsletter, while exposing each story to a larger audience. Plus, this change makes it feasible to produce regular newsletters now that I’m without a tool with quick integrations like Revue – I’m using MailerLite’s excellent RSS integration instead.
Members will also receive more frequent, shorter emails covering new members-only content when it is published – look out for those in your inbox if you’re subscribed.
And, as always, you can subscribe to all my blog posts using your feed reader of choice using matthewcassinelli.com/rss.
Until next issue, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts:
Last Thursday, I streamed a live test of Apple’s new release of Final Cut Pro for iPad for about 2 hours, covering:
Overall, I added 90 chapter markers at each significant moment in the stream, so jump into the video and skip around to the bits that you’re interested in watching – I had some genuine moments of joy while discovering new features, like this one:
Here’s the full list of chapters:
On Tuesday, May 2, I had the pleasure of joining TWiT as a guest on iOS Today to talk about our latest tips, tricks, and, of course, Shortcuts:
iOS is deep, super deep. So what are some extra special ways to tap into its power with expert precision? Rosemary Orchard and Matthew Cassinelli take you there with a few extra key tips and shortcuts that’ll give you total control.
Check out iOS Today in Apple Podcasts or listen to the episode below:
From the latest issue of my Shortcuts newsletter:
Welcome to Issue 96 of What’s New in Shortcuts – this mid-month update is full of Shortcuts news as we head into the iOS 16.4 beta cycle.
Apple published more release notes looking back at what was fixed in iOS 16.3, plus the Shortcuts community discovered a new set of helpful actions (and bugs) from the newest developer betas.
In the Shortcuts Catalog, I published a new five-part series of blog posts on Mastodon Lists and interacting with the API using Shortcuts.
In the community, creators shared great shortcuts for Micropub posting, creative Alfred workflows, and inspirational ideas that resonate with how I think about Shortcuts.
Plus, Shortcuts-powered apps are always releasing new updates – I am a big fan of Raycast’s confetti option ?
All that, and more – here’s what’s new in Shortcuts from February 11th-20th, 2023:
View the full newsletter or sign up for to receive future issues free.
Welcome to Issue 95 of What’s New in Shortcuts – it’s the second Friday in February and I’ve got a huge newsletter for you!
Creativity in the Shortcuts community is super high right now—maybe it’s from folks connecting more on Mastodon?—but the ideas coming out in just the last 10 days are excellent across the board.
This issue includes my new Mastodon Lists shortcuts, article & video guides from Shortcuts creators, a whole slew of AI shortcuts that keep getting more & more interesting, and lots of clever ideas from folks sharing their individual workflows — plus, more Feedback for Apple.
I continue to have too much fun with the subtitles in these – enjoy:
Welcome to Issue 94 of What’s New in Shortcuts – it’s hard to believe January is over and we’re already starting in on February.
The new M2 Macs have already been reviewed and shipped, plus the 2nd generation HomePod reviews are out before going on sale in-stores on Friday.
Since last issue, we also saw three major apps integrate with Shortcuts (Ivory, Things, and Pythonista), plus quick app updates, blog posts to read, shortcuts to add, and automation ideas to get inspired by.
Plus, I shared some feedback from folks in the community, highlighted some interesting details in the Shortcuts Spotlight section, and had a little too much fun with the subtitles in this one – enjoy:
Welcome to Issue 91 of “What’s New in Shortcuts” – I’m sneaking in one last issue on Revue!
I just got back from playing superheroes with my nephew in Portland over Christmas and I’m feeling super refreshed for next year – I hope you all had a chance to relax over the holiday break.
In this issue, we have more adventures with Mastodon, a new Stable Diffusion AI app with Shortcuts support, great Automation ideas, and some more newsletter housekeeping ahead of 2023.
Stay tuned for future newsletters on the 10th, 20th, and 31st of each month next year – details below:
Welcome to Issue 90 of “What’s New in Shortcuts” — this is the last issue of 2022, and, as such, I wanted to thank you all for your readership this past year.
In 2022, I sent 25 issues covering everything new in Shortcuts, plus took an extended break that allowed me to rerelease my Shortcuts Library at scale — thank you for your support during this time.
2023 brings a lot of promise for Shortcuts and particularly how much better prepared I am to share everything I know — and we’ll always have this archive of what’s come before to learn from.
Unfortunately, Twitter is imminently shutting down Revue and deleting all of the data — so, for now, I am exporting my list and will be importing everyone into a new service when I figure out where to move the newsletter.
I’ve also published every issue directly on my blog (where it can’t get deleted, except by me) and will experiment with the format going forward. I may simply back to those stories in a more minimal newsletter style — I’ll have to see as I test this and other newsletter services over the break.
I’m off next week for Christmas and then the next issue lands on the 2nd of the New Year, so I’ll see you… next year.
Until then, here’s what’s new in Shortcuts: