iOS 27 introduces notification automation for Shortcuts

The release of iOS 27 introduces a significant update to the Shortcuts app: notification automation. This feature allows any app capable of sending push notifications to act as a trigger for automated actions. Users can create workflows based on specific notification attributes, including the title, subtitle, and body text of the incoming message.

This capability enables highly customized responses. For example, users can set up automations to change wallpapers, play specific sounds, or create reminders when certain messages arrive. It also offers a workaround for users who use custom app icons, as automations can be used to simulate unread message badges on the home screen.

Leveraging this new functionality, the utility app Deflector, developed by Cizzuk Shihu, allows users to launch shortcuts directly from the Dynamic Island or a Lock Screen Live Activity. Unlike previous methods that required opening the Shortcuts app via URL schemes, Deflector uses a self-contained approach where tapping a shortcut in a Live Activity triggers a notification to the app itself, which then executes the requested shortcut immediately.