iOS 18 adds new If Command Features.

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced several key improvements to the Shortcuts app, particularly in the handling of the If command. These updates offer users enhanced flexibility, control, and efficiency when creating automated workflows on their devices. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant enhancements:

Multi-Condition If Statements: Adding Complexity Made Easy

One of the standout features in iOS 18’s Shortcuts app is the introduction of multi-condition If statements. This long-awaited feature allows users to combine multiple conditions within a single If action, making it easier to create more intricate automations.

AND/OR Logic: Users can now combine conditions using both AND and OR logic. For instance, you could set up a shortcut that only runs “if it’s Tuesday AND you’re connected to your office Wi-Fi.” This added complexity brings new levels of personalization and specificity to Shortcuts.

This multi-condition functionality means you no longer need to build separate If actions for each condition, streamlining the automation process significantly.

Enhanced User Interface: Clearer and More Intuitive

The user interface of the If action in iOS 18 has received a visual overhaul, making it easier to manage complex workflows.

- Clear Markers: Users will now see three distinct markers in the editor: If (input), Otherwise, and End If. These markers offer clear separation between conditions and alternative outcomes, improving the readability of shortcuts, especially those with multiple branches.

- Simplified Configuration: Users can tap directly on the Input and Condition parameters to make changes, adding to the simplicity of the interface. If you want to add multiple conditions, you can easily do so by tapping the Condition parameter and specifying additional rules.

This improved interface ensures that even users unfamiliar with coding or complex logic can create advanced automations with ease.

Control Over Condition Logic: Precision Tailored to Your Needs

When working with multiple conditions, iOS 18 gives users full control over how those conditions are evaluated:

- All Conditions (AND Logic): The shortcut will only execute if all specified conditions are met.

- Any Condition (OR Logic): The shortcut will run if any one of the conditions is met.

This control allows users to fine-tune the behaviour of their shortcuts, creating more accurate workflows without needing to stack multiple If actions.

Output Handling: Greater Flexibility with Magic Variables

Another significant improvement in iOS 18 is how output is managed in If actions. Now, the last action in either the If or Otherwise block will pass its output through the End If marker. This output is then available as an "If Result" Magic Variable.

- If Result Magic Variable: This new addition gives users more flexibility in how the output from conditional logic is used in subsequent actions. For example, you can use the result of an If condition to trigger additional automations or further refine a shortcut’s behaviour.

This enhancement simplifies complex workflows and reduces the need for redundant actions, leading to cleaner, more efficient shortcuts.

Else-If Statements: A Workaround for a Missing Feature

While iOS 18 introduces many powerful features, it still lacks native support for else-if statements. However, a workaround is available: users can nest If statements within the Otherwise block to mimic else-if behavior. While not as straightforward as a dedicated else-if action, this method provides a viable solution for those looking to create even more complex conditional logic.

Conclusion

The improvements to the If command in iOS 18 elevate the Shortcuts app to a new level of versatility and ease of use. With multi-condition If statements, an improved interface, enhanced logic control, and better output handling, users now have greater power to automate tasks precisely the way they want. Although there’s still room for growth, such as native else-if support, these updates are a step in the right direction for making Shortcuts a truly powerful automation tool.

If you’re looking to take your shortcuts to the next level, these iOS 18 enhancements will give you the tools to do just that.

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References:

1. Talk Mac Power Users

2. Apple Support

3. YouTube - iOS 18 Shortcuts Updates