In iOS 18.2, Shortcuts app that comes with a powerful new feature—Get current App, where you can make your Action button function in a different manner depending on the particular application that you are using. This article provides guidelines on how to set it up and get the most out of it.
Using “Get Current App” Feature
The Get Current App shortcut in iOS 18.2 identifies the active app and changes what the Action Button does accordingly. Customizing becomes easy because iPhones have only one running app at a time. iPads and Macs that allow multitasking may use “Get Visible Apps” so as to customize their functionality based on more than one open applications.
Customizing the Action Button for Specific Apps
As an Example: Safari Vs Other Apps
- Launch Shortcuts App: Clicking on the plus sign will enable you create a new shortcut.
- Add “Get Current App” Action: Search and choose “Get Current App.”
- Set Condition: Select If action then type Safari as an app name.
- Define Actions for Safari: Assign the Action Button to toggle the Reader mode.
- Default Action: For other apps configure it to change silent mode by pressing this button.
Detailed Procedure:
- Look up “Get Name” to find the app’s name.
- More specifically, you can also make use of a conditional if statement for Safari by adding an ‘If’ action.
- Also locate the ‘If’ condition and insert a ‘Show/Hide Reader’ action there that will toggle on/off the Reader mode.
- However when working with other applications you may want to turn on silent mode in your settings so as not to have any noises coming from them at all.
- Finally give it a name and save your shortcut.
How To Assign Shortcut to An Action Button
- Go to Settings > Action Button.
- Among the choices that appear, select “Shortcut”.
- Click on your shortcut which is new now.
Hence, anytime you are using Reader mode in Safari or anywhere else outside Silent Mode; it will be automatically activated through this button only.
Expanding The Shortcut To Cover Multiple Apps
To add more “If” actions, assign different tasks to various apps in order for them to become automated as well,
For example: Adding Netflix to the Shortcut
- Edit the existing shortcut.
- Add another “If” action for “Netflix.”
- Assign the Action Button to toggle Do Not Disturb mode while using Netflix.
- Repeat the process for additional apps, enabling unique functionalities for each.
Creative Uses for the Action Button
The possibilities are virtually endless. Here are some ideas:
- Messaging Apps: Create common replies for WhatsApp or Messages.
- Music: Skip tracks in the Music app.
- Navigation: Search for nearby locations or route home in Apple Maps.
- Reading: Set sleep timers in Audible or toggle summaries in the News app.
You can even design workflows that launch an app and trigger specific actions within it. For example, pressing the Action Button could open the ChatGPT app and initiate a voice command feature.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your iPhone
The “Get Current App” shortcut changes your use of the Action Button. It enables you to streamline repetitive tasks or customize your experience for certain apps. For example, you may set up different triggers such as by time, location or multiple actions simultaneously.
You can turn your Action Button into a must-have productivity enhancer with some creative thinking.
