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Tutorials & Guides•6 min read

Top 7 iOS Shortcuts for Productivity in 2025

Rish

Rish

VoiceAI Expert

The iPhone is a powerful computer, but most people only scratch the surface of what it can do. The secret to unlocking its full potential lies in the Shortcuts app. It allows you to automate tasks, connect apps, and perform complex actions with a single tap or voice command.

In 2025, AI-integrated shortcuts are the new standard. Here are the top 7 iOS Shortcuts you need to install right now to boost your productivity.

1. TalkFlow Transcriber (The Communication Saver)

We might be biased, but this is a must-have.

  • What it does: Instantly converts WhatsApp, iMessage, or Voice Memo audio files into text. It also summarizes long recordings and translates foreign languages.
  • Why you need it: Saves hours of listening time and makes audio messages searchable.
  • Best for: Professionals, students, and anyone with chatty friends.

2. ChatGPT / LLM Assistant

The official ChatGPT app integrates with Shortcuts, allowing you to ask questions to Siri that are routed to GPT-4.

  • What it does: Replaces the basic Siri with a true AI assistant. "Hey Siri, ask ChatGPT to write an email to my boss..."
  • Why you need it: Instant access to world knowledge without opening an app.

3. "Heading Home" ETA

A classic but essential automation.

  • What it does: With one tap, it calculates your travel time to your home address and texts your partner/roommate: "I'll be home in 25 minutes."
  • Why you need it: Safety and communication without texting while driving.

4. Morning Briefing

  • What it does: When you stop your alarm, this shortcut runs. It reads your calendar events for the day, tells you the weather, and plays your favorite news podcast.
  • Why you need it: Starts your day with intent and information, rather than doom-scrolling social media.

5. Image Background Remover

Apple has this built-in now, but a dedicated shortcut can batch process images.

  • What it does: Takes a photo or a batch of photos, removes the background, and saves them as transparent PNGs.
  • Why you need it: Perfect for content creators making thumbnails or listing items for sale on eBay/Vinted.

6. Fast Charge Mode

  • What it does: Toggles a specific set of settings to maximize charging speed: turns on Airplane Mode, lowers brightness, turns on Low Power Mode, and turns off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
  • Why you need it: When you only have 10 minutes at an airport outlet and need every percentage point.

7. Water Eject

If you accidentally drop your phone in the sink.

  • What it does: Plays a specific low-frequency sound that pushes water out of the iPhone's speaker grilles.
  • Why you need it: It can save your device from long-term water damage (even if it is water-resistant).

How to Install and Use Shortcuts

  1. Open the 'Shortcuts' App: It comes pre-installed on every iPhone.
  2. Gallery: Browse the gallery for Apple's suggestions.
  3. Third-Party: For advanced shortcuts like TalkFlow, you often download them from a web link (iCloud link).
  4. Add to Home Screen: For your most-used shortcuts, tap the three dots -> 'Add to Home Screen' to create an app icon for instant access.
  5. Back Tap: Pro tip! Go to Settings -> Accessibility -> Touch -> Back Tap. You can assign a shortcut to run when you double-tap the back of your phone.

Conclusion

Productivity isn't about working harder; it's about removing friction. These shortcuts automate the mundane, speed up the slow, and simplify the complex. Start building your library today!