Automations … just kidding!

Why have an automation tool that doesn’t allow you to actually automate?


Apple Developers, I get that you are trying to protect users by placing restrictions on the type of automations that support “run without asking” but it defeats the whole point of having an automation.


***

Please design a better way to protect users!

***


Perhaps you could:


1) warn users of the risks of enabling “run without asking”


2) display a warning when an automation that is set to run without asking is triggered. This could reiterate the risks and give the user time to manually cancel the action


3) display a list of past automation executions for users to see (maybe in Notification Center) and provide an option to disable future iterations


4) have intelligent warnings for frequently triggered or higher risk automations similar to the warnings for app location tracking


5) have a setting to enable advanced automations. This way the current behavior could be the default and users would be required to take an additional step to enable the creation of higher risk automations

Posted on May 19, 2023 06:41 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 19, 2023 08:29 AM

Shortcuts, which are automation tasks on iOS devices, are designed to provide users with control and ensure the security and privacy of their devices. Therefore, certain shortcuts may require user confirmation before executing certain actions for the following reasons:


  1. Automation tasks have the potential to access sensitive information or perform actions that may impact device functionality. To prevent unauthorized or malicious activity, Apple incorporates user confirmation as a security measure. By requiring user confirmation, Apple ensures that users are aware of and approve the actions the shortcut will perform.
  2. Shortcuts can be complex and involve multiple actions. User confirmation allows them to review and verify the actions the shortcut will perform. This helps avoid unintended consequences, such as accidentally deleting files or sharing private information.
  3. Confirmations provide an opportunity for users to modify the behavior of the shortcut at runtime. It allows users to tailor the execution based on the specific context or make adjustments if they change their mind about performing the automation task.
  4. Requiring user confirmation prevents shortcuts from automatically executing actions that the user may not want to perform every time. Some actions, such as sending messages or making phone calls, can be disruptive if triggered without user intervention. The confirmation step ensures that users have control over when and how these actions are executed.


By incorporating user confirmation into the execution flow of shortcuts, Apple prioritizes user control, security, and privacy, while still enabling the automation capabilities that can streamline repetitive tasks on iOS devices.

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 19, 2023 08:29 AM in response to Gillen76

Shortcuts, which are automation tasks on iOS devices, are designed to provide users with control and ensure the security and privacy of their devices. Therefore, certain shortcuts may require user confirmation before executing certain actions for the following reasons:


  1. Automation tasks have the potential to access sensitive information or perform actions that may impact device functionality. To prevent unauthorized or malicious activity, Apple incorporates user confirmation as a security measure. By requiring user confirmation, Apple ensures that users are aware of and approve the actions the shortcut will perform.
  2. Shortcuts can be complex and involve multiple actions. User confirmation allows them to review and verify the actions the shortcut will perform. This helps avoid unintended consequences, such as accidentally deleting files or sharing private information.
  3. Confirmations provide an opportunity for users to modify the behavior of the shortcut at runtime. It allows users to tailor the execution based on the specific context or make adjustments if they change their mind about performing the automation task.
  4. Requiring user confirmation prevents shortcuts from automatically executing actions that the user may not want to perform every time. Some actions, such as sending messages or making phone calls, can be disruptive if triggered without user intervention. The confirmation step ensures that users have control over when and how these actions are executed.


By incorporating user confirmation into the execution flow of shortcuts, Apple prioritizes user control, security, and privacy, while still enabling the automation capabilities that can streamline repetitive tasks on iOS devices.

May 19, 2023 08:26 AM in response to Gillen76

This is a user-to-user public forum.


Apple Support Community Forum


This is Apple Support Community forum, for user-to-user interaction for information & idea sharing between users, if need be, extend support on technical know-how in handling Apple products from more experienced fellow users, This is not the right forum to discuss with Apple Inc.




This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Automations … just kidding!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.