2.5.11 — SiriKit and Shortcuts

If your app exposes Siri or Shortcuts integrations, those actions need to perform the real function they claim to — a shortcut labeled to do one thing but that triggers unrelated behavior violates this.

Usually caught when a Shortcuts action is left half-implemented, or points to placeholder behavior that doesn't match its exposed name.

The short version, in more detail

Guideline 2.5.11 covers Siri and Shortcuts integrations. If an app exposes actions to Siri or Shortcuts, those actions must really do what their names and descriptions say. An action that is half-implemented or points to placeholder behaviour is likely to be flagged when a reviewer tests it.

Why this rule exists

Voice and automation features are only useful if people can trust them. A shortcut that does something other than its name suggests can trigger unwanted actions without the user looking at the screen. Because these integrations run in places where the user may have little visual confirmation, Apple expects the description, the phrase and the behaviour to agree exactly, and treats a mismatch as a quality failure rather than a cosmetic one.

What this guideline covers

• SiriKit intents and Shortcuts actions provided by the app.
• Names and descriptions shown to users.
• Whether the action works as described.
• Phrases and suggestions offered by the system.

What usually triggers this rejection

• A shortcut that is labelled for one function but performs another.
• An action left unfinished or returning placeholder results.
• Phrases that trigger unexpected behaviour.
• An intent that does not match the app's real features.
• Actions that fail silently.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers run the exposed actions where possible.
• They compare the behaviour with the name and description.
• They check suggestions that the app donates to the system.
• Problems here usually point to incomplete work.

Common misunderstandings

• A Siri integration is not exempt from the usual quality bar.
• Hidden or secondary actions are still reviewed.
• Voice triggers are held to accuracy standards too.

Common questions