development
App Intents
A Swift framework that exposes app actions to Siri, Shortcuts, Spotlight, and system suggestions, enabling proactive app discovery.
App Intents is a framework introduced in iOS 16 that allows developers to define actions their app can perform and expose them to the system. These actions become available in Siri, Shortcuts, Spotlight suggestions, and the Action Button on newer iPhones. App Intents replaces the older SiriKit Intents framework with a more streamlined, Swift-native approach.
How App Intents Work
Developers define intents as Swift structs that describe an action, its parameters, and its result. For example, a fitness app might define a “Start Workout” intent with a workout type parameter. Once defined, the system automatically surfaces these actions in relevant contexts. Users can trigger them through voice commands, shortcut automations, or system suggestions. App Intents also power interactive widgets and the Shortcuts app, creating multiple pathways for users to engage with app functionality without opening the app directly.
Impact on App Discovery and Growth
App Intents significantly expand where and how users encounter your app. When your app’s actions appear in Siri suggestions, Spotlight results, or the Shortcuts gallery, they create organic discovery moments outside the App Store. This is particularly valuable for retention, as the system learns user habits and proactively suggests relevant app actions at the right time. From an ASO perspective, apps with rich intent support demonstrate deep platform integration, which Apple values when considering apps for editorial features and curated collections.