Apple Introduces “Hold That Thought” Shortcut: A Transformative Tool for Productivity and Accessibility
As Apple prepares for its eagerly awaited WWDC 2025 keynote, the tech leader has started to unveil features from its forthcoming iOS 19 update. Among these early offerings is a robust new tool designed to boost productivity and assist neurodivergent individuals: the “Hold That Thought” shortcut. This user-friendly feature is a significant boon not only for accessibility but for anyone managing multiple tasks in a dynamic digital landscape.
In this article, we delve into everything you should know about the “Hold That Thought” shortcut, its functionality, its beneficiaries, and its integration within Apple’s larger iOS 19 environment.
What Is the “Hold That Thought” Shortcut?
A Shortcut Tailored for the Contemporary Individual
The “Hold That Thought” shortcut is Apple’s latest productivity enhancement aimed at assisting users in capturing transient ideas and getting back to tasks following interruptions. Initially crafted with neurodivergent users in mind—such as those who may have ADHD, autism, or other cognitive variations—this shortcut is proving advantageous for anyone whose workflow frequently encounters disruptions.
How It Works
Upon activation, the shortcut presents users with two choices: Capture and Recall.
- Capture: This mode takes a snapshot of your ongoing activity, collects any calendar events set for the next hour, copies the current Safari page (Mac only), and saves your clipboard items. You are then invited to write quick notes regarding your current task and your next steps.
- Recall: When you’re prepared to continue your task, run the shortcut again and select Recall. It will retrieve the most recent note labeled “Hold That Thought” along with all previously gathered data.
All notes are automatically time-stamped for straightforward referencing and stored in the Notes app, making it easy to follow your digital traces.
Why This Shortcut Is Significant
Assisting Neurodivergent Users
Apple has been progressively widening its accessibility features, and this shortcut exemplifies that dedication. For those with ADHD or challenges related to executive function, sustaining attention and switching tasks can be extremely challenging. “Hold That Thought” provides critical support during distracting moments, enabling users to swiftly offload and access information without anxiety.
Enhancing Productivity for All
Regardless of whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a creative thinker, interruptions are unavoidable. This shortcut presents a fluid method to pause, document, and resume your workflow. It’s particularly potent on the Mac, where multitasking is abundant, but it works just as well on iPhones and iPads.
How to Utilize the Shortcut
Getting Started
The “Hold That Thought” shortcut can be downloaded at no cost from Apple’s Shortcuts app. After installation, users can activate it in three different ways:
- By saying, “Hey Siri, Hold That Thought.”
- By selecting the shortcut within the Shortcuts app.
- On iPhone 15 Pro or newer, by designating it to the Action Button for quick access.
Altering its settings through the Shortcuts app also allows for additional features, such as syncing notes across devices or creating cloud backups.
iOS 19: What We Know So Far
A Peek Into the Upcoming Features
In addition to this new shortcut, Apple has hinted at several functionalities that will be included in the iOS 19 update. While complete details are anticipated at WWDC 2025, initial speculations point toward enhancements in AI integration, improved multitasking, and advanced health tracking capabilities.
Device Compatibility
Although Apple has not yet provided an official list of compatible devices, it is anticipated that iOS 19 will work with the iPhone XS and newer models. The company typically extends software support for devices up to five years old, ensuring that a broad user base can take advantage of the latest features.
Enriching the Apple Ecosystem with Shortcuts
The Strength of Automation
Shortcuts have become a fundamental part of Apple’s ecosystem, empowering users to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and personalize their technological experience. “Hold That Thought” expands on this by providing a highly practical yet adjustable solution for common productivity obstacles.
Seamless Integration Across Devices
Apple’s advantage is rooted in its ecosystem. The ability to utilize the shortcut on iPhone, iPad, and Mac ensures a consistent experience. Users can begin their day brainstorming on a Mac, face an interruption, and later continue where they left off on their iPhone—without losing momentum.
Conclusion
Apple’s “Hold That Thought” shortcut is not merely a clever utility—it’s an insightful innovation that highlights the company’s increasing focus on accessibility and user experience. Whether you are neurodivergent, a multitasking expert, or someone who frequently deals with interruptions, this feature could revolutionize your workflow. As we await the comprehensive reveal of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, one thing is evident: Apple persists in prioritizing tools that make technology more human-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the “Hold That Thought” shortcut?
“Hold That Thought” is a new productivity shortcut from Apple that allows users to capture their ongoing task, notes, and screen data, and retrieve them later. It aims to assist users in resuming tasks after distractions.
Who can take advantage of this shortcut?
Though specifically designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, the shortcut is useful for anyone who faces frequent distractions, including professionals, students, and creative individuals.
How do I engage the “Hold That Thought” shortcut?
You can activate it by saying, “Hey Siri, Hold That Thought,” tapping the shortcut within the Shortcuts app, or assigning it to the Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
On which devices is “Hold That Thought” available?
It is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Macs that run the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, supporting the Shortcuts app.
Can I adjust what information is captured?
Yes, the Shortcuts app permits you to customize the shortcut’s parameters to include or exclude specific data points, such as clipboard contents or calendar events.
Is this shortcut exclusively beneficial for Mac users?
While the Mac provides extra features like capturing Safari tabs, the shortcut is fully functional and advantageous on iPhones and iPads too.
How does this integrate into Apple’s broader iOS 19 update?
“Hold That Thought” is part of a suite of new functionalities aimed at enhancing accessibility, productivity, and user experience in iOS 19, which will be fully showcased at WWDC 2025.
