AI Actions
AI Actions is a tool that provides additional AI-related actions for the Shortcuts app. It allows users to enhance their Shortcuts app expe...
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What is AI Actions?
AI Actions is a macOS, iOS, and visionOS app by Sindre Sorhus that provides additional AI-related actions for the Shortcuts app. It enables users to interact with various AI APIs like ChatGPT, Claude Sonnet/Opus, and more through ready-to-use shortcut actions, making their Apple devices smarter without compromising security.
The app's key feature is secure API key management - your OpenAI or Anthropic API key is stored in your device's keychain, not in the shortcut itself. This means you can share shortcuts with others without exposing your API credentials. It supports numerous models through Ollama (local GGUF models) and Groq (OpenAI API compatible), plus OpenRouter and Gemini through custom base URL configuration.
AI Actions is designed for power users who want customizability options and work on macOS, which the official ChatGPT app's
AI Actions pricing
Pricing model: Free
Completely free without ads. The developer makes it because they enjoy making apps. No paid tiers, subscription plans, or premium features. The non-App Store version is also free but won't receive automatic updates and is updated approximately once a year on the website.
AI Actions pros
- Securely stores API key in keychain, not in shortcut
- Works on macOS unlike official ChatGPT Ask action
- Supports longer text than official ChatGPT app action
- Customizability options for power users
- Supports DALL·E image generation
- Supports Ollama for local GGUF models
- Supports Groq with OpenAI API compatibility
- Supports OpenRouter proxy endpoint
- Supports Gemini via OpenAI-compatible endpoint
- Safe to share shortcuts without exposing API key
- Completely free with no ads
- Simple alternative to calling OpenAI API directly
- Supports GPT, Claude Sonnet, and Claude Opus
- Supports GPT-4o mini model
- Custom model selection in Ask AI action
- Base URL configuration for any OpenAI-compatible API
- Available on macOS, iOS, and visionOS
AI Actions cons
- Requires users to provide their own OpenAI or Anthropic API key
- ChatGPT Plus does not give free API access
- Anthropic paid account does not give free API access
- App Store macOS version requires Apple Silicon Mac only
- Intel Macs must use non-App Store version manually
- No built-in support for Google Gemini API
- No support for OpenAI Whisper API
- No planned localization into other languages
- Non-App Store version has no automatic updates
- iOS has 30-second limit on third-party actions
- Actions may not show up in Shortcuts app (iOS/macOS bug)
Frequently asked questions about AI Actions
I have a feature request, bug report, or some feedback
Click the feedback button in the app itself or send your feedback through the developer's feedback page. Sindre Sorhus welcomes user feedback for improvements.
The actions do not show up in the Shortcuts app
This is an iOS/macOS bug. Launch the AI Actions app once and then restart your device. If that doesn't work, try additional troubleshooting steps as mentioned by the developer.
Why are these actions not just part of your Actions app?
Apple prevents any app that includes AI-related functionality from being available in China. The developer didn't want the Actions app to become unavailable in China just because of one AI action, so they made AI Actions a separate app.
How is this better than the Ask ChatGPT action provided by the official ChatGPT app?
AI Actions works on macOS too, supports longer text, has customizability options for power users, supports DALL·E image generation, and will support more AI APIs in the future compared to the official ChatGPT app action.
How is this better than just calling the OpenAI API directly from Shortcuts?
This makes it simpler to use, but more importantly it stores your API key securely in the keychain instead of in the shortcut. This means you can share your shortcuts with others without exposing your API key since the API key is not stored in the shortcut itself.
Can you support the OpenAI Whisper API?
No, the Whisper API isn't suitable for this app due to Shortcuts' 30-second limit on third-party actions on iOS, making long transcriptions impossible. Instead, use the developer's app Aiko, which runs Whisper locally on your device and supports Shortcuts by performing transcriptions in the foreground, bypassing the time constraint on macOS it runs in the background.
Can you add built-in support for the Google Gemini API?
No, the developer doesn't want to keep adding more providers and especially doesn't want to take on Google-specific APIs and auth quirks. More providers means a larger API surface, more edge-cases, and more maintenance. Workaround: Gemini offers an OpenAI-compatible endpoint which this app supports. Set the Base URL to https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/openai/, then choose Custom and enter the Gemini model name. You can also use OpenRouter if you prefer one unified endpoint.
Why is this free without ads?
The developer just enjoys making apps. There is no business model or monetization plans. The developer considers leaving a nice review on the App Store as a way to support the project.
Can you localize the app into my language?
No, the developer doesn't plan to localize the app into other languages. The app will remain in English only.
How do I set up Ollama or Groq with AI Actions?
For Ollama, set the Base URL to http://localhost:11434 (or your Ollama instance's network address). Since Ollama doesn't require authentication, enter any text like 'ollama' as the OpenAI API key. In the Ask AI action, select the Custom model and provide the desired model name like 'llama3'. For Groq, specify https://api.groq.com/openai as the Base URL, select Custom model, and provide the desired model name.