Apple’s iOS 27.2 update, released this week, enhances the Shortcuts app with new automations tied to the iPhone Duo, updates other automation triggers, and adds key improvements like expanded languages and better editor tools. These changes give users more control and flexibility in setting up their daily workflows.
New Trigger for iPhone Duo, Plus Upgrades to Automations
One of the most significant additions is a Duo-specific automation: users can now set up actions to run based on whether the iPhone Duo is opened or closed. This complements the Duo’s foldable hardware and aims to streamline interactions depending on its state. More broadly, the “Workout” trigger now supports the Fitness app across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch workflows. There’s also a tweak to the App trigger so that when the “Weather” app is closed or opened, the system can identify which app was closed.
Expanded Language Options and Editor Enhancements
The “Use Model” action—used to tap into Apple’s AI model features—now works in languages beyond English, adding French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. This makes the model’s web-powered capabilities more accessible globally. Meanwhile, on the editing side: users on macOS can now adjust window layouts with new menu options “Show Actions” and “Show Describe a Shortcut,” helping tame complex workflows. On iPhone and iPad, the library has gotten more manageable: names and icons for shortcuts can be edited directly in the library rather than having to dive into each shortcut.
Together, these changes in iOS 27.2 bring more nuanced automation and better localization to Shortcuts, especially benefiting Duo users or those who rely on the AI model actions. Better editor tools reduce friction, making shortcuts more intuitive to maintain and personalize.
What this means: Apple is pushing Shortcuts beyond simple task automation toward deeper integration with device state, multilingual AI support, and streamlined design. Users should explore the updated automations and languages, and expect future updates to refine how Shortcuts blends with hardware like the Duo and features like AI actions.
