Focus Mode Actions in iOS 15 Shortcuts
With the release of iOS 15, Apple replaced the traditional Do Not Disturb settings with customizable Focus modes, significantly expanding the automation capabilities within the Shortcuts app. This update introduced dedicated action blocks and triggers tailored to Focus states, allowing users to query, activate, and react to specific Focus modes programmatically.
"Set Focus" Action Block
The legacy "Set Do Not Disturb" action was replaced by the more versatile "Set Focus" action block. This block allows users to control both standard and custom Focus modes (such as Work, Personal, Sleep, Driving, or user-created profiles).
Key parameters within this action block include:
- State Control: Switch a chosen Focus mode On, Off, or Toggle between states.
- Duration Controls: Set a Focus mode to remain active until a specific condition is met, including "Until I leave," "Until [Time]," "Until the end of [Calendar Event]," or set to prompt dynamically using "Ask Each Time."
"Get Current Focus" Action Block
iOS 15 added the "Get Current Focus" action block, enabling shortcuts to read the device's real-time state. This action returns the name and status of the currently active Focus mode, which can then be passed into conditional logic using "If" blocks. This allows single shortcuts to adapt their behavior—such as sending different auto-reply messages or toggling specific smart home devices—depending on whether the user is working, resting, or driving.
Dedicated Focus Automation Triggers
Alongside action blocks, iOS 15 introduced event-based Focus triggers in the Personal Automation tab. Every configured Focus profile receives its own trigger options:
- When Turning On: Executes actions immediately upon entering a specific Focus mode.
- When Turning Off: Executes actions immediately upon exiting the Focus mode.
- Background Execution: Unlike older location-based triggers, Focus mode automations can run automatically in the background without requiring user confirmation via a prompt.