iOS 15 Shortcuts Focus Mode Action Updates

With the release of iOS 15, Apple replaced traditional Do Not Disturb settings with a customizable Focus system, fundamentally upgrading how the Shortcuts app handles context-aware automation. This update introduced dedicated action blocks and automation triggers specifically designed to activate, deactivate, and respond to various Focus profiles. This guide details the specific action blocks added to Shortcuts for managing Focus modes in iOS 15 and how they streamline device automation.

The "Set Focus" Action Block

The primary addition to the Shortcuts library in iOS 15 is the Set Focus action block, which superseded the legacy "Set Do Not Disturb" action.

  • Profile Selection: Instead of being limited to a single Do Not Disturb toggle, the action allows users to dynamically select any default or user-created Focus mode (such as Work, Personal, Sleep, Fitness, or custom profiles).
  • State Parameters: Users can toggle the selected Focus state between Turn On, Turn Off, or Toggle.
  • Duration Controls: When turning a Focus mode on, the action block provides variable parameters to determine how long it remains active:
    • Until Turned Off: Keeps the mode active indefinitely until manually disabled.
    • Time: Sets an expiration time based on a specific duration or input variable.
    • When I Leave: Automatically disables the Focus mode upon departing the current geographic location.
    • Event Ends: Ties the duration of the Focus mode to a calendar event.

Dedicated Focus Automation Triggers

Beyond standard action blocks within user-run shortcuts, iOS 15 added dedicated Focus Triggers to the Personal Automation tab.

  • State-Based Execution: Every configured Focus profile on the device automatically generates its own trigger category.
  • On/Off Conditions: Automations can be configured to run either When Turning On or When Turning Off for each specific profile.
  • Seamless Background Execution: These triggers support background running, allowing users to chain actions—such as changing Apple Watch faces, adjusting smart home lighting, or launching specific work apps—the exact moment a Focus mode engages or disengages without requiring manual confirmation.