• Forums
  • Shop
  • iPhone 13
  • AirPods Deals
  • iPad Deals
  • Best Apple Watch
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
  4. /
  5. Apple
watchOS 7

You can run Shortcuts locally without your iPhone in watchOS 7

But you can use your iPhone as a fall back if needed...
Stephen Warwick
27 Jun 2020

Watcgos 7 ShortcutsSource: Apple

What you need to know

  • Apple announced watchOS 7 at WWDC 2020.
  • One new feature is Siri Shortcuts on Apple Watch.
  • Apple has now confirmed that these will run locally and that you don't need to be connected to an iPhone

Apple has confirmed that the new Shortcuts feature for watchOS 7 will function locally on the device, meaning you don't need your iPhone to run them.

Apple announced watchOS 7 as part of WWDC 2020, and one new feature included a new Shortcuts app for Apple Watch, which can also be accessed as a complication. Earlier beta users including Federico Viticci noticed however that not all Shortcuts seemed to function on Apple Watch if the companion iPhone wasn't powered on, however it was unclear whether this was by design or a beta issue.

It seems the latter is more likely, as Apple has now confirmed in a WWDC developer session that Shortcuts in watchOS 7 can run locally. From the session description:

Shortcuts are a natural fit on Apple Watch, allowing people to get things done with just a tap — even from a complication. Bring your app's intents to the wrist: We'll help you optimize your shortcuts performance, understand how intents can be routed from watchOS to iOS, explore the latest interaction and presentation interfaces, and examine how the Shortcuts app manages shortcuts and intents for Apple Watch.

Question answered: Shortcuts in watchOS 7 can run shortcuts locally, and remote execution (use the iPhone) is only a fallback option.

More details in this session: https://t.co/ih8hdLnkgM

(Developers: time to start making those watchOS apps with watchOS intents extensions.)

— Federico Viticci (@viticci) June 26, 2020

In the session, Apple confirmed that Shortcuts could run locally and that you didn't necessarily have to have an iPhone connected. The Watch can fall back on the iPhone and execute a Shortcut remotely if for some reason it isn't able to do it locally.

At WWDC, Apple announced watchOS 7 with new features including new Watch faces, more complications, Face Sharing and sleep tracking.

Nintendo recap: Sega's Sonic plans and Pokémon fan pays tribute to OG art
From the Editor's desk

Nintendo recap: Sega's Sonic plans and Pokémon fan pays tribute to OG art

Three additional games found their way onto Nintendo Switch Online this week. Plus, we're in the final stretch before the 3DS and Wii U eShops no longer accept purchases of any kind. There's even more Nintendo news, so let's dive in.

Review: Eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones on all your Apple devices at once
WiFi winning

Review: Eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones on all your Apple devices at once

WiFi dead zones and spotty internet signal at home can be wildly frustrating. With the rockspace AX1800 Router and Extender you can improve internet reliability overall and eliminate WiFi dead zones for your Apple devices.

Review: Secretlab's TITAN Evo 2022 is probably the best gaming chair ever
TITAN evo

Review: Secretlab's TITAN Evo 2022 is probably the best gaming chair ever

Secretlab's TITAN Evo is its 2022 offering. It's an awesome upgrade on its 2020 model and the perfect gaming chair for any gamer.

Take an Apple Watch charger on the road with you
⌚️ 🏃🏻 🔋

Take an Apple Watch charger on the road with you

Looking for an Apple Watch charger to take with you while you’re out and about? Check out these portable chargers!

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • watchOS 7
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac
  • Apple TV
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • HomeKit
  • Forums

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Fitness
  • Apps
  • Gaming
  • Deals
  • Advertising Inquiries
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • Windows Central
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • y
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement