Vibe Coding Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence

Have you ever had an idea for a Shortcut but weren’t sure how to build it? For teachers, there are plenty of everyday tasks we’d love to simplify, finding the time to work out the steps is often the challenge.

You know how passionate I am about Shortcuts. With the changes to Apple Intelligence in macOS 27, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, I’ve been exploring the idea of “vibe coding” Shortcuts - starting with what you want to achieve, describing it in everyday language, and using AI to help you work towards a solution.

From an Idea to a Workflow

Start with a task you’d like to make easier. Describe what information you’ll provide, what you want to happen, and what the finished result should look like.

Then build, test and refine. Does the Shortcut do what you intended? What needs adjusting? That process is an opportunity to learn how the workflow works as you develop it.

See It in Action

Check out the video below for a look at what I’ve been exploring with Apple Intelligence and Shortcuts.

As you watch, think about one task in your teaching day that you’d like to simplify.

Explore the Apple Intelligence Sidekick Series

Looking for inspiration? My Apple Intelligence Sidekick Series includes five Shortcuts you can explore and adapt:

• iPad Teacher Sidekick: Generate lesson ideas.
• Anecdotal Notes Sidekick: Organise spoken student observations.
• Meeting Assistant Sidekick: Create summaries and action points.
• Science of Learning Sidekick: Explore teaching approaches using iPad and Mac.
• Reading Log Sidekick: Support students’ reading goals and reflections.

Try one, explore the actions, and think about how you could make it your own.

I also have some student sidekicks to explore:

Students can benefit from Shortcuts too. My Student Shortcut Sidekick Series: Step by Step Sidekicks helps students turn task instructions into manageable steps.

Students can capture an image of their instructions or explain the task using their voice. On-device Apple Intelligence then breaks the task into steps and creates a checklist in Reminders, ready for students to tick off as they go.

Try either version:

• Capture Image: Take a photo of a worksheet, whiteboard or task instructions to create a checklist.
• Record Voice: Talk through what needs to be done and turn it into a checklist.

These provide a starting point for supporting students with planning, organisation and independent learning.

If you could describe your ideal Shortcut in one sentence, what would it do? Share your idea in the comments below.