Apple is adding a feature to its next macOS release that lets users build automations by typing simple instructions. The update will allow anyone to create Apple Shortcuts using natural language instead of dragging and dropping actions. But developers and power users do not need to wait. Tools like Claude Code and Codex already offer text-driven automation and task scripting today.

How the New Feature Works

The upcoming macOS version will include a new option inside the Shortcuts app. Users will type what they want to happen, such as "resize all images in this folder" or "send a good morning message to my family." The system will then generate the corresponding shortcut. This eliminates the need to learn the app's action catalog or logic flow. Apple has not confirmed the exact release date. The feature is expected to ship with the fall OS update.

What Claude Code and Codex Offer Now

Claude Code and Codex are AI-powered tools that understand natural language commands and execute them. Codex, from OpenAI, can generate code and run scripts based on plain English prompts. Claude Code, built by Anthropic, does similar work for programming and automation tasks. Users of these products can already describe a workflow and receive a working script or shortcut without writing a single line of code. For developers, this capability is already mature. The macOS update will bring a similar experience to a broader consumer audience.

Why This Matters

This shift affects anyone who uses automation to save time. For casual users, Apple's approach removes the steep learning curve of the Shortcuts app. That makes everyday tasks accessible without training. For developers, the arrival of native natural language automation signals a larger trend: AI is moving from coding assistants into operating system features. The competition between Apple's proprietary tools and third-party AI platforms will accelerate, giving users more options and lowering the barrier to automation. The practical impact is clear: more people will be able to automate repetitive work without technical skills.

Broader Implications for Automation

Apple's move reflects an industry-wide push to make automation invisible. Microsoft is embedding Copilot into its tools. Google is adding generative AI to Workspace. The difference is that Apple is focusing on local execution and privacy. Claude Code and Codex run on cloud servers, which raises latency and privacy concerns. Apple's on-device approach may appeal to users who value data security. At the same time, third-party tools offer more flexibility and integration with external services. The landscape is evolving quickly. The winner will be users, who gain simpler ways to control their digital environments.