Apple’s Shortcuts app is the best way to automate processes across its devices and develop professional workflows to get things done.

With iOS 16, Apple is adding many more actions for its own apps and improving its Shortcuts support with deep new actions. However, these updates have been limited to more everyday apps like Safari, Mail, and Reminders — but Apple’s pro-level apps haven’t received similar updates.

This piece covers five first-party apps that “pros” use to get their work done and some starter actions that Apple should add for each of them:

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s professional video editing software, an application that has many opportunities for Shortcuts automation since it involves many repeated workflows with specific details for each and particular processes that must be done correctly.

Apple should add actions for tasks like “Create Project,” “Import Media,” “Change Workspace,” and “Export File,” for example, allowing editors to set up new projects, import their media, swap workspace setups, and process exported files immediately, according to their team’s standards.

Logic Pro

Similar to Final Cut, Logic is Apple’s professional audio editing software, with editors also completing repeated workflows that are regularly set up according to specific standards and run off their favorite Mac.

Actions like “Create Project,” “Record Media,” and “Find Loops” and “Add Loop” could be used to set up new sessions and automatically record and process new media. Plus, editors could use shortcuts filters to search through and access their favorite loops in a more advanced fashion than currently possible with the app.

Apple Developer

As I wrote about after the WWDC keynote, the Apple Developer app is also ripe with opportunity to be automated with Shortcuts from its session library.

Actions like “Find Sessions” and “Open Session,” “Export Transcript,” and “Copy Timestamp” would allow developers to dig into sessions as needed, filter out already-watched sessions, copy transcripts and take notes of the lessons, and even go back to a specific moment by creating a linkable timestamp URL.

TestFlight

TestFlight, Apple’s app for testing beta software before it reaches the App Store, could also do well with a few Shortcuts actions to allow beta testers to provide more feedback and properly test a large set of apps.

Actions like “Update Apps” could replicate the already-available Quick Action from the TestFlight icon, while “Find Beta Apps” and “Open Beta App” could let users query their TestFlight database and open to a specific item (something that becomes complex once you’re testing more than a few apps). “Send Beta Feedback” could hook into the apps’ TestFlight email integration for testers to send bug reports directly to developers.

Feedback Assistant

Finally, Apple’s own Feedback Assistant app should have Shortcuts actions for interacting with feedback reports.

Actions like “Submit Feedback” could let users skip the process of adding the same fields to every feedback report if they’re regularly reporting on the same app, while “Add to Feedback” could make it easy to add follow-ups, screenshots, or screen recordings to a report after-the-fact.

Going further, “Find Feedback,” “Open Feedback,” and “Copy ID/Title” could let testers search their library and view or pull details out of existing feedback to share with others online or add more information manually.

What could come in the future

This is just the beginning of what could be automated with all of Apple’s pro apps — there are many deeper opportunities for Final Cut and Logic users, but I’d like to see things get started with some of the lower-hanging fruit too, so creative professionals can truly begin to integrate Shortcuts into their workflows.

Automating simpler but wide-reaching apps like Developer, TestFlight, and Feedback could also improve the daily experiences for professionals working on software development (and testing it) for Apple’s platforms too, which in turn could improve the overall platform experience for every user down the line.

Apps like Xcode have even richer workflows to automate, but I'm not an app developer so I didn't want to speak to processes I am not familiar with — if you’re a developer and want Shortcuts actions for Xcode, let me know which ones on Twitter.

I hope Apple pushes forward with pro-level Shortcuts actions, especially now that other mainstream apps are getting the same treatment. We’ll see how things play out past the initial release of iOS 16 and how Apple pushes its Shortcuts support in the mid-point releases this year.

What you need to know

• Apple has officially launched TestFlight for the Mac.
• Developers can now invite up to 10,000 users to test beta versions of their apps.

The Mac is back so much so that even TestFlight is on it now.

After months of testing a beta of the app, TestFlight has officially launched on the Mac. In a news update on the Apple Developer website, Apple has announced that developers can now invite up to 10,000 external users to test out a beta version of their Mac app.

TestFlight is Apple's beta testing app that lets developers test out their apps with users to find bugs and get feedback before releasing public versions of their apps. The service supports apps on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and iMessage.

Developers can learn more about TestFlight on the Mac as well as Apple's other devices on the Apple Developer website. You can also download TestFlight on the Mac App Store for free now. You do need to be part of the Apple Developer Program in order to use the feature.

What you need to know

• Apple has released a beta version of TestFlight for Mac.
• Developers can download TestFlight 3.2 and test their own apps as well as those of other developers.

Apple has made a beta version of TestFlight for Mac available, giving developers the opportunity to test their own apps using the beta software distribution tool.

Available for macOS Monterey, the new TestFlight 3.2 beta is now available for download, but there are caveats. Mainly, developers can currently only test their own apps as well as apps created by other developers.

This is the latest step in a move that will make it easier for developers to share beta builds of their Mac apps with their testing pool, something that has been possible for iPhone and iPad app developers for years. The TestFlight expansion to Mac will also presumably mean distributing updates and release notes will be easier than ever, too.

This being a beta, there are points that developers should note. Not least, a couple of oddities including the fact VoiceOver is not fully functional yet. Anyone running older betas of macOS Monterey will also have to do some hoop-jumping, too.

All being well, macOS Monterey will be made available to the world within the next few weeks alongside iOS 15 and similar updates. The macOS Monterey release will be the best Mac update yet, adding new features including funky 3D maps and more.

What you need to know

• TestFlight has been updated with support for automatic app updates.
• The mechanism is similar to automatic App Store app updates.
• It's going to be a lifesaver for those who live with tons of beta apps daily.

Apple today updated the TestFlight app, allowing people to have their beta apps update automatically just like they can apps from the App Store.

TestFlight is used by developers to enable them to make beta versions of their apps available to testers, members of the media, and pretty much anyone else.

The newly updated TestFlight also includes the usual stability improvements and bug fixes, of course. But it's the addition of automatic app updates that will be the biggest deal for those of us who have multiple beta apps installed all the time.

• Support for automatic updates, ideal for ensuring you're always testing the latest beta build.
• Stability improvements and bug fixes.

Users will still be notified when there is a new update for apps because TestFlight notifications pop up every time an updated app is launched. Users will also presumably continue to receive push and email notifications when a new update is released.

The update is available to download from the App Store now and is, of course, free.

What you need to know

• A rumor suggest Apple will announce TestFlight for Mac.
• The Verifier points to Apple's upcoming November event for the announcement.
• Apple is expected to announce Apple Silicon and the first Apple Silicon Macs at the event.

Reported by 9to5Mac, a new rumor from The Verifier says that Apple may announce TestFlight for the Mac at its "One More Thing" event next week.

The outlet posted to Twitter saying that, alongside the potential announcement of new apps and a new App Store, Apple may also bring TestFlight, its app testing platform currently on iOS, to the Mac.

According to the report, The Verifier talked about TestFlight coming to the Mac as soon as WWDC, but that annoncement appears to now be pushed to Apple's all but confirmed Apple Silicon event.

9to5Mac notes that TestFlight received a new icon in August that aligned with the design guidelines for macOS Big Sur, putting more weight behind The Verifier's prediction.

Apple is set to host its "One More Thing" event on November 10 at 10:00 AM PST in which it is expected to announce its new Apple Silicon processors and the first Apple Silicon MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

What you need to know

• Apple has updated TestFlight with a gorgeous new icon.
• The new TestFlight also reportedly supports App Clips for the first time.
• TestFlight is a vital tool for developers who want their apps to be tested by other people.

Apple has updated its TestFlight app, adding an important new iOS 14 feature and a new icon. And despite it being cool to hate Apple's icons right now, this one looks pretty great.

It looks like a propeller. Get it?

More importantly, Apple reportedly added support for apps that take advantage of the App Clips feature, coming to iOS 14 this fall.

However, we're taking developer Guilherme Rambo's word for that because Apple's release notes are suitably vague. And by vague, I mean useless. Check it out.

Really, what chance do we have expecting developers to add proper notes to their updates when Apple offers up this?

But that icon though, right?!

This morning, I tried to download the beta of an app via TestFlight and received the following notification:

After a quick search, it seems to have been first noticed about eight hours ago (based on the earliest tweets I've seen). After a visit to Apple's trusted System Status report page, it is confirmed that TestFlight, along with App Store Connect, is indeed, experiencing technical difficulties.

The TestFlight and App Store Connect issues, which were identified at about 3:45 AM ET are noted as ongoing with "some users" affected.

TestFlight has not been removed and is not broken after downloading the iOS 12.3 developer or public beta. It will hopefully be back up and running soon (for those developers needing to test beta updates, especially).

Apple has updated its TestFlight beta testing tools for developers, adding a number of useful new features. Developers that head to the My Apps section of iTunes Connect will be treated to a rundown of TestFlight's new capabilities, which include support for multiple builds, improvements to testing groups, and more.

As spotted by developer Louis D'hauwe and others, the latest TestFlight updates feature:

Additionally, it seems that each beta release of an app will be valid for 90 days, up from the previous 60.

Changes to support these new features have also appeared in the TestFlight app for iPhone and iPad in its latest update. When looking at the details of an app beta in which they participate, testers can now scroll down and tap the new Previous Builds button to see previous versions of the app. You can grab the latest version of the TestFlight app from the App Store.

• Free - Download Now

Apple has updated its TestFlight testing platform with support for iOS 10, watchOS 3, and tvOS. The company also rolled out new App Store optimizations and app analytics tools for developers through iTunes Connect.

Here's the breakdown of the new features in TestFlight 1.4.1:

• All beta apps on iOS 10 now include a 3D Touch Quick Action so your testers can provide feedback by pressing your Home screen icon.
• Stability and performance improvements
• There is a known issue on iOS 10 beta where beta apps installed by TestFlight are replaced by the App Store version if Automatic App Updates is turned on. If you experience this issue, disable Automatic App Updates. This issue will be addressed in an upcoming release.

iTunes Connect now lets developers view the number of times their app icon is viewed on the App Store search results, the Featured section, from the Top Charts lists, and via the product page. Here's what's new in iTunes Connect:

• SiriKit
• Gallery support for third party complications, except Watch extensions containing the gallery bundle complication Extra Large
• Background running mode for third party workout apps
• Game Center Support for Watch
• Multipeer Connectivity framework for tvOS
• Push Notifications for tvOS
• PhotoKit for tvOS
• ReplayKit for tvOS
• ExternalAccessory.framework in tvOS
• HomeKit APIs for tvOS
• Developer APIs for authentication and authorization for tvOS and iOS
• CallKit - Thirdparty call blocking extensions for iOS
• New iOS 10 Extension APIs

Grab TestFlight from the link below.

• Free - Download Now

Apple has updated its TestFlight beta testing app, allowing developers to internally test apps for tvOS, which will run on the new Apple TV. Testers can now also accept testing invites using redemption codes.

If you're interested in beta testing apps, you can download TestFlight from the App Store right now.

• Free - Download Now

Beta testing apps has long been a pain point for iOS developers. So it's no surprise that the announcement of TestFlight as part of iOS 8 was met with much fanfare at WWDC 2014. Since Apple's acquisition of Burstly (makers of TestFlight), there has been a lot of speculation and hope that Apple could finally release a more friendly solution for handling the distribution of beta apps. TestFlight marks a significant advancement for Apple in that area, and a welcome change for developers.

TestFlight vs. ad hoc distribution

Most people only ever install apps on their devices by way of the App Store. For people in the business of making apps, another method is frequently used: Ad Hoc distribution. Each iOS device has a unique device identifier (UDID). This UDID can be added to a developer account in order to provision the device for ad hoc distribution. This allows developers to distribute their apps for testing without making it publicly available for anybody to download. Managing ad hoc distribution requires developers to create and maintain provisioning profiles that specify what devices can run a particular app. This process is easy to screw up, can frequently lead to confusing errors, and most developers are limited to only 100 devices on their account. TestFlight seeks to change this.

The first significant change is TestFlight will not require developers or testers to deal with UDIDs or provisioning profiles. Currently, in order to add a new device, the flow goes like this: 1. Developer asks tester for UDID (and has to provide instructions on how to retrieve it if the tester doesn't know how) 2. Tester uses an application to retrieve the UDID 3. Tester sends UDID to developer 4. Developer logs into Apple's Developer Portal 5. Developer adds the tester's device to the account 6. Developer adds the new device to the appropriate provisioning profile 7. Developer updates app with new profile 8. Developer distributes app to tester

The exact flow may differ depending on what tools a developer is using, but that's more or less how it works. TestFlight's flow looks like it's going to be more like this: 1. Tester tells developer their Apple ID 2. Developer logs in to iTunes Connect 3. Developer sends email invitation to tester 4. Tester accepts invitation 5. Tester installs app via TestFlight app

If TestFlight can deliver on its promises, many of the frustrations of dealing with UDIDs and provisioning profiles could be a thing of the past.

1000 Apple IDs vs. 100 device IDs

The second big change addresses a long time complain of many developers — the 100 device limit. Developers will now be able to add the Apple IDs for up to 1,000 beta testers to their app. Though this comes with a caveat. TestFlight will require apps to go through a review by Apple. We don't know what guidelines apps will have to meet in order to be approved, and once an app has been approved, minor updates to the beta that don't significantly change the app won't need to be reviewed, but this is a new hoop for developers to have to jump through.

In addition to the 1,000 beta testers, developers will also be allowed to have up to 25 internal testers. Internal testers can't just be invited via email, they'll need to have an account created for them in the developer's iTunes Connect account. The advantage for internal testers is they won't have to wait for betas to be approved; they'll have access as soon as the developer uploads a new build.

After a build has been uploaded (and possibly approved), it will be valid for 30 days. If a developer goes more than 30 days without uploading a new build, testers won't be able to run the app until the developer uploads a new one. In addition to the binary upload itself, developers will also be required to enter metadata for the app. This includes an app description, as well as information about what testers should test.

Testers will be able to manage and install betas they've been invited to using the TestFlight app. TestFlight will only be available for iOS 8 when it's released, so developers still supporting (what will be) old iOS versions or Android won't be able to rely on TestFlight for those. The TestFlight app will allow users to view app descriptions, as well as testing notes. Testing notes will give developers a way to give their testers information about what needs to be looked at. Testers will also have the ability to submit feedback to developers from the TestFlight app (via email).

Latest version only

Another item worth noting here is it looks like all testers, whether beta or internal, will only be able to install the latest version of a beta available. In Apple's demonstration during their The New iTunes Connect session, the video shows all builds except for the latest being marked as "Inactive". When a new build goes up, the previously available build goes from having a checkmark to showing "Inactive" as well. Of course maybe developers will have the ability to control if testers get access to old builds, we can't say for sure until Apple documents it or we get access to the new iTunes Connect this fall, but this could be a deal breaker for many.

Crash reporting... later next year

One final big feature for TestFlight worth covering is crash reporting. When an app crashes on your device, a crash log is generated. iTunesConnect has long offered the ability to view those crash logs, but with limited success. One of the big missing pieces of functionality has always been lack of symbolication. Basically this means instead of a crash report telling a developer the name of the piece of code it crashed in, it would show the infinitely less useful hex address of that piece of code. Instead of something like "[OMGASIHTTPRequest reportFinished]", they'd see something like "0x9b000 + 23698". 3rd party services like HockeyApp have offered crash log symbolication for some time, and now iTunes Connect will finally have it. Unfortunately this feature will be coming "later next year", so developers interested in useful crash reporting in the mean time will need to stick with something else.

TestFlight in iOS 8: The bottom line

Ultimately TestFlight in iOS 8 means more options for developers and testers when it comes to beta testing. Developers will have the ability to distribute apps to more users outside of the App Store than they were able to before, and testers will get a sanctioned, native app for install 3rd party apps outside of the App Store for testing. And hopefully this expanded testing results in fewer bugs shipping to the App Store, and more polished apps getting into the hands of end users.

If you're a developer let me know — what do you think of the all new, all-Apple, currently all-iOS test Flight?

• Read more about TestFlight and what developers need to know

More of iOS 8: Explained

• Handoff in iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite: Explained
• Making and receiving phone calls on iOS 8 for iPad and OS X Yosemite: Explained
• Sending and receiving SMS/MMS on iOS 8 for iPad and OS X Yosemite: Explained
• AirDrop and Instant Hotspot in iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite: Explained
• QuickType keyboard in iOS 8: Explained
• Interactive notifications in iOS 8: Explained
• SceneKit in iOS 8: Explained
• Metal in iOS 8: Explained
• Widgets in iOS 8: Explained
• Share extensions in iOS 8: Explained
• Action extensions in iOS 8: Explained
• Inter-app photo and video editing in iOS 8: Explained
• Custom keyboards in iOS 8: Explained
• Family Sharing on iOS 8: Explained
• iCloud Drive and Document Picker for iOS 8: Explained
• Document provider extensions in iOS 8: Explained
• TestFlight in iOS 8: Explained
• Apple Maps in iOS 8: Explained
• iMessage in iOS 8: Explained
• Photos in iOS 8: Explained
• Spotlight in iOS 8: Explained
• Health in iOS 8: Explained
• Touch ID in iOS 8: Explained
• HomeKit in iOS 8: Explained
• Adaptive UI in iOS 8: Explained
• Manual camera controls in iOS 8: Explained