The features described in this guide are available on iOS 18 and above.
Claude's iOS app supports two powerful features: the "Ask Claude" App Intent and the ability to use this intent within iOS Shortcuts. This guide will explain both features and show you how to make the most of them.
Ask Claude Intent
The "Ask Claude" intent is a standalone feature that lets you interact with Claude directly from:
Spotlight search
Siri
The Share menu
Any app that supports iOS intents
You can use this intent on its own to quickly ask Claude questions or give it tasks without opening the Claude app. For example, you can:
Select text and use the Share menu to send it directly to Claude
Ask Siri to "Ask Claude” and it will prompt you for a message
Type "Ask Claude" in Spotlight search to quickly send a query
Using Ask Claude With Shortcuts
While the "Ask Claude" intent is powerful on its own, you can also use it as a building block within the Shortcuts app to create more complex workflows. Shortcuts allow you to:
Chain multiple "Ask Claude" actions together
Combine Claude's capabilities with other apps and actions
Create automated workflows
Process Claude's responses in various ways
Creating Your First Claude Shortcut
There are many customizable workflows you can set up within the Shortcuts app. Let's look at an example of a brief but useful shortcut that helps you summarize text:
Open the Shortcuts app on your iOS device
Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut
Add the "Share" action and select your preferred input type
Add the "Ask Claude" action
In the "Ask Claude" action, create a prompt like: "Please summarize the following text: [Shortcut Input]"
Name your shortcut (e.g., "Summarize with Claude")
Optional: Add the shortcut to your Share Sheet for easy access
Now you can select text anywhere in iOS, tap the Share button, and choose your "Summarize with Claude" shortcut to get an instant summary.
When using "Ask Claude" intent and in shortcuts, the default model you see when opening the Claude app will be used.
More information on setting up shortcuts on your iOS device can be found here.
Note: When using the "Ask Claude" intent, messages to Claude will count towards your overall message limits.
Adding the Claude Widget
The Claude widget provides quick access to chat and voice features directly from your Home Screen or Today View. The widget includes buttons for:
Starting a new chat
Instantly opening the app in dictation mode
Taking a photo to share with Claude
To add the Claude widget to your Home Screen:
From the Home Screen, touch and hold a widget or an empty area until the apps jiggle
Tap Edit in the upper-left corner
Tap Add Widget
Search for and select Claude
Tap Add Widget
Tap Done
To add the Claude widget to your Today View:
Swipe right from the Home Screen or Lock Screen, then follow the same steps as adding to the Home Screen.
Using the Widget:
Tap the chat button to start a new conversation with Claude
Tap the microphone button to instantly open the app in dictation mode, allowing you to start speaking to Claude right away
Tap the camera button to take a photo and share it with Claude for analysis
Note: Like the "Ask Claude" intent, interactions started through the widget will count toward your message limits.