Automation: IFTTT integrates (timidly) into the Shortcuts app

Latest app update IFTTT released yesterday on the App Store promises an interesting novelty: integration with the Shortcuts app. If the name means nothing to you, know that IFTTT (for ” If This Then That ”) is a web-based automation service. Compared to Shortcuts, it has the advantage of working thanks to servers that are constantly running, which gives it greater flexibility. You can, for example, use it to send a link by email as soon as an RSS feed is updated, send a notification during specific weather conditions or even automatically export tweets to a spreadsheet.

The possibilities are much greater than with Apple’s app, but this new integration makes it possible to use IFTTT’s automations as part of a shortcut. However, the options remain limited at the moment, since the integration is limited to launching an IFTTT “applet” from a shortcut. And again, only web automations that are executed with a button are supported.

Even if it is limited, it still allows to consider processes that start on your iOS device or Mac and end on the web thanks to the tools provided by IFTTT. Another idea in home automation: you can automate devices that are not HomeKit, the web service offering multiple integrations. You can also consider using the personal automations of the Shortcuts app to perform IFTTT actions according to criteria inaccessible to the app, for example by launching CarPlay or even if the battery of your device reaches a certain level.

Finally, note that the integration only works in one direction and it is not possible to execute a shortcut from IFTTT. It’s not the fault of the service however, it’s a limit imposed by Apple, even if we can imagine workarounds (I would go with sending an email from IFTTT and a personal automation based on this criterion) .

IFTTT is a service that you can use for free, with limits: up to five automations consisting of a single action each. To go further, a subscription charged 5 € per month minimum is required.