what are app intents

App Intents are a framework that allows you to expose your app's core features to the system, enabling them to be used outside of your app in various system experiences. This includes integration with Siri, Spotlight, Shortcuts, and other system features.

An app intent consists of a summary of what it does, which starts with the app followed by a verb, and includes the parameters that people need to fill out before the intent is run. App intents can be combined with other intents into shortcuts to create powerful new flows.

Here are some key points about app intents:

1. Functionality: App intents should represent tasks that your app can perform. Initially, they were meant to cover the most habitual tasks, but now they can encompass any functionality your app offers.
2. Structure: App intents should be flexible and readable across many configurations. They should avoid being tied to specific UI elements and instead focus on the underlying tasks.
3. Parameters: App intents include parameters that define the inputs needed to run the task. These parameters should be structured to maintain readability and usability.
4. System Integration: App intents can trigger actions in the background, such as live activities, audio playback, or recording, without requiring further in-app actions.
5. User Experience: App intents can open the app to show changes made by the intent, providing a seamless user experience.

For more detailed guidance on designing app intents, you can refer to the session Design App Intents for system experiences and Bring your app’s core features to users with App Intents.

Relevant Sessions

1. Design App Intents for system experiences
2. Bring your app’s core features to users with App Intents