iOS 14.3 beta 2 lets you launch apps from custom icons without opening Shortcuts app

Custom icons have become all the rage ever since iOS 14 was released. iOS 14.3 beta 2 now allows launching apps from custom icons, without opening the Shortcuts app first. Even though users still see a notification at the top of the screen that shows that the Shortcut is being executed, it is much less intrusive than seeing the Shortcuts app open and then switch to the app you actually meant to open.

iOS 14 widgets custom icons

Open apps using custom icons without opening Shortcuts app with iOS 14.3 beta 2

iOS 14 has opened iPhone to a level of personalization that it never had: home screen widgets and custom icons created using the Shortcuts app. Even though Shortcuts app lets users select any image they want as an icon, and link to any built-in or third-party app in iOS, it opens up the Shortcuts app first to execute the Shortcut. This has not let users be deterred and we have seen all sorts of custom home screens.

It seems that Apple has noticed this level of unprecedented interest in customization and has been working on making things slightly seamless when it comes to custom icons. As noted by a keen Reddit user, iOS 14.3 beta 2 does not open Shortcuts app when you launch an app using a custom icon.

Check out the change in action below, with the notification that shows up:

iOS 14.3 Beta 2 no longer opens shortcuts app before lauching an app from a custom icon from shortcuts

This behavior does not exist in the current stable build, iOS 14.2, which is available to all users. iOS 14.3 is currently in beta testing and there is a possibility that Apple may or may not keep this change in the final version. For now, we are happy to see that Apple is continuing to make customization easier for users. Now if they could let users hide that Shortcuts notification as well, that would be great.

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About the Author

Addicted to social media and in love with iPhone, started blogging as a hobby. And now it's my passion for every day is a new learning experience. Hopefully, manufacturers will continue to use innovative solutions and we will keep on letting you know about them.