Overview

Workflow is the most influential visual workflow automation app on iOS, developed by Workflow Inc. (co-founded by Ari Weinstein, Conrad Kramer, and Nick Frey), and acquired by Apple in 2017 to become the predecessor and technical foundation of Siri Shortcuts.

Workflow uses a block-based workflow editor: users drag predefined action blocks from the library and chain them in order to build automation flows. Blocks pass data via Magic Variables, with support for conditions, loops, and waits, providing near-desktop workflow engine expressiveness on mobile. Its core differentiator is deep access to iOS system capabilities (sensors, system services, native apps), unmatched by cross-platform tools like Zapier and IFTTT on mobile. This page belongs to the automation tool providers category.

Key Strengths

  • Visual building: A drag-and-drop workflow builder with no coding.
  • System-level integration: Deep access to iOS sensors, system services, and native apps.
  • Rich actions: 200+ pre-built operations covering system and network.
  • Siri triggering: One-tap triggering via Siri Shortcuts.
  • App integration: Deep integration with hundreds of third-party apps.

Product Ecosystem

Workflow Editor

Drag-and-drop action block editor with conditions, loops, and variable management.

System Capabilities

Access sensors, clipboard, file system, notifications, and other system capabilities.

Network & Services

Network requests, Webhooks, and online service integration.

App Integration

Deep integration with hundreds of third-party apps for cross-app automation.

Limitations

  • Apple ecosystem only: iOS/iPadOS only, not cross-platform.
  • Slower updates: Updates slowed after the Apple acquisition.
  • Debugging needs improvement: Complex workflow debugging needs better tools.
  • Programming concepts: Some advanced operations require programming concepts.

Use Cases

  • iOS automation (★★★★★): Automate daily tasks on iPhone/iPad.
  • Shortcut building (★★★★☆): Build Siri Shortcuts.
  • App integration (★★★★☆): Cross-app data passing and action chaining.
  • Personal productivity (★★★★☆): Personal workflow automation.
  • Cross-platform automation (★★★☆☆): Evaluate Zapier or IFTTT.

Pricing

Plan Price Notes
Workflow Free Free app, now part of Apple Shortcuts

Note: Workflow was acquired by Apple and evolved into Shortcuts; see the Workflow official website.

FAQ

  • What is the relationship between Workflow and Shortcuts? Workflow was acquired by Apple and became the technical foundation of Shortcuts, with its features now integrated; for automation, see AI workflow automation platforms.
  • Is coding required? No, the drag-and-drop builder creates automations; see AI workflow automation platforms.
  • Which platforms are supported? iOS/iPadOS only, not cross-platform; for cross-platform, consider Zapier.
  • How does it compare with other automation tools? Deeper mobile system integration; for cross-platform, use Zapier.
  • Who is it for? Personal users seeking iOS efficiency automation; can combine with IFTTT to extend scenarios.