Zander Aycock

CRO Specialist • Marketer • Community Director
Musician • Automator • Investor

Best Automation Apps for iOS (2024)

Automation is a great way to save time and streamline your daily tasks, and a variety of apps available for iOS can help you do just that. In this post, we’ll look at some of the best automation apps for iOS in 2023 to help you get more done in less time and with less effort.

Whether you’re looking to automate repetitive tasks, manage your schedule more efficiently, or make your device work better for you, an app on this list can help.

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Platform-Based iOS Automation Apps

  • IFTTT (If This Then That) – This app allows you to create “recipes” that link different apps and services together, automating tasks such as posting to social media, sending texts or emails, and more.
  • Shortcuts – This iOS automation app allows users to automate tasks and actions on their devices. It is built on the Workflow app, developed by a third-party company and later acquired by Apple in 2017. After the acquisition, Apple integrated the functionality of Workflow into the Shortcuts app, now available for free on the App Store.
    • With Shortcuts, users can create custom automations called “shortcuts” triggered by various actions such as a tap, a voice command, or an event such as arriving at a location. Shortcuts can also be added to Siri, allowing users to trigger them using their voice. The app has a variety of built-in actions, including the ability to send messages, make phone calls, and more. Users can also create custom actions using the app’s scripting language. Shortcuts also support integration with other apps and services such as Google Maps, Amazon Alexa, etc. The app allows for a lot of customization and can automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows and make the device work better for the user.

Third-Party iOS Automation

  • Drafts – A quick-capture note-taking and automation app that offers a variety of actions and integrations for users to automate tasks like writing, organizing, and sharing a note
  • Launch Center Pro – This iOS automation app allows you to launch apps and perform actions using shortcuts quickly. You can create custom shortcuts for tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, and more.
  • Toolbox Pro for Shortcuts – Toolbox Pro for Shortcuts is an app that expands the functionality of the Shortcuts app on iOS. It includes a wide range of actions and utilities that can be used to create powerful automations and workflows. It allows for more advanced automation and customization, such as manipulating data, launching apps, and working with the device’s clipboard.
  • Scriptable – Scriptable is an iOS app that allows users to automate tasks and actions using JavaScript. It provides a powerful scripting engine enabling users to access various system functions and services. It can automate tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, and more.
  • Pushcut – Pushcut is an iOS app that allows users to create custom automations using push notifications. Users can create custom notifications that trigger actions such as launching apps, sending messages, and more. It also allows users to schedule notifications and set them to repeat at specific intervals.

Cloud-Based Automation Tools

  • Power Automate – Microsoft provides a service that allows users to automate tasks and workflows across a wide range of platforms and services. It allows users to create custom workflows using a visual designer and provides integration with services such as Office 365, Dynamics 365, and more.

Voice Assistant-Based Automation Tools for iOS

  • Alexa – This is a companion app for Amazon’s Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Echo Dot, Echo Show, and Echo Studio. The app allows users to set up and manage their devices and access various features and capabilities such as music playback, intelligent home control, and access to thousands of skills and third-party apps. Users can also use the app to create custom routines and automations using Alexa’s voice commands. The app also provides a way to manage your shopping and to-do lists, set alarms, check the weather, and more. Additionally, users can use the app to manage their Alexa-enabled devices remotely, such as controlling the music playing on an Echo device in another room or checking the status of a smart home device. The Alexa app is available for free on both iOS and Android.
  • Google Assistant – This virtual assistant developed by Google can perform various tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, setting reminders, and more. It can be accessed via the Google Assistant app on iOS and Android or Google-enabled devices such as Google Home. It uses natural language processing to understand and respond to voice commands and can also integrate with other apps and services to automate tasks.

 

Advanced Automation Tools

  • DataJar – An app that allows users to automate tasks and actions on their iOS device. It allows users to create custom automations using a simple interface and a variety of actions, such as sending messages, making phone calls, and more. It also allows users to create custom variables and manipulate data using a simple scripting language. DataJar is a third-party app for iOS and is not developed by Apple but by a developer. It is a more advanced automation tool that enables users to perform complex tasks and data manipulation.

Automating daily tasks can be a great way to save time and increase efficiency. A variety of apps available for iOS can help you achieve this goal. Whether you’re looking to automate repetitive tasks, manage your schedule more efficiently, or make your device work better for you, some apps can help. Some of these apps include popular automation apps from different categories, each with unique features and capabilities that can help you automate tasks and streamline your workflow.

Want help using automation on your iOS device?  Please send me an email.