Apple seeds Shortcuts GM build to developers ahead of release

Apple on Friday seeded the "Golden Master" build of marquee iOS 12 app Shortcuts to developers via TestFlight ahead of a scheduled launch next week.

Not much has changed in the GM, though Apple's developer notes say that all expected functionality has been enabled.

Additional features will likely be added through subsequent updates, however, as certain macro command options like HomeKit still appear to be limited in scope. In Shortcuts, HomeKit shows up as a supported app, though actions are currently restricted to recently triggered scenes.

Beyond HomeKit, the Shortcuts GM returns links to some third-party apps. Federico Viticci noted on Twitter that the app once again includes full Dropbox access, with dedicated UI assets suggesting the addition is due to a change on Apple's side.

Full Dropbox access is back in the Shortcuts GM. Yes! pic.twitter.com/WlSQNoe89q

— Federico Viticci (@viticci) September 14, 2018

Shortcuts was introduced as a highlight iOS 12 feature at WWDC 2018. Built on Workflow app, which Apple acquired in 2017, the new app lets users to create and run app macros via customs Siri phrases.

For example, an iPhone user can create a shortcut called "I lost my keys" that automatically pings a connected Bluetooth-enabled Tile tracker. The app allows for incredibly complex actions, with multiple services and apps strung together via an easy-to-use card based interface.

Beta testers interested in taking the GM for a spin can refer to AppleInsider's Shortcuts primer, which details how to create, manage and use custom created actions.

Shortcuts will likely be released as an update to Workflow next week alongside the release of iOS 12 on Sept. 17.