Apple’s upcoming iOS 19 introduces the “Hold That Thought” shortcut, a revolutionary tool designed to help users capture and organize ideas before they slip away, particularly beneficial for those who struggle with interrupted workflows.
At a Glance
- Apple’s new “Hold That Thought” shortcut for iOS 19 helps users capture ideas, screenshots, and tasks before forgetting them
- The feature is especially helpful for neurodivergent individuals who struggle with interruptions
- Users can activate it via voice command or the Action Button on newer iPhones
- Content is saved as notes with timestamps for easy retrieval
- The tool will be available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with enhanced functionality on the latter
Managing Ideas in a Distracted World
Apple’s forthcoming WWDC 2025 keynote is generating buzz with several iOS 19 features already announced ahead of the event. Among them, the “Hold That Thought” shortcut stands out as a particularly innovative solution for today’s distraction-filled environment. This clever productivity tool addresses a common problem many face: losing track of important ideas and tasks when interrupted. Rather than forcing users to switch between multiple apps to preserve their thought process, this streamlined shortcut captures everything in one place.
The functionality is remarkably straightforward but potentially game-changing for productivity. When activated, users select either “Capture” to store information or “Recall” to retrieve previously saved content. The Capture function takes a screenshot of current activity, notes upcoming calendar events within the hour, saves open Safari webpages (on Mac), and preserves clipboard contents. Users can then add contextual notes about what they’re currently doing and what they plan to do next.
Accessibility and Integration
Apple has designed the shortcut with accessibility in mind, offering multiple ways to trigger it across devices. iPhone users can activate it by saying, “Hey Siri, Hold That Thought,” making it available hands-free when needed. Those with iPhone 15 Pro models or newer have the additional option of assigning the shortcut to the Action Button for even quicker access. The functionality works across Apple’s ecosystem, with particular emphasis on its enhanced capabilities for Mac users.
“Run the shortcut and select Capture to capture a screenshot of what you’re doing, any calendar events in the next hour, the current open webpage in Safari (Mac only), and Clipboard contents. You’ll then be prompted to write short notes about what you are doing and what you’re about to do. Run the shortcut again and select Recall to find the last created note with all the captured information. All notes will be saved with the title ‘Hold That Thought’ and the date and time saved.” – Apple.
The shortcut has been made available as a free download, indicating Apple’s commitment to providing practical productivity tools without additional cost barriers. All captured information is organized into notes with a consistent naming convention that includes the date and time, making retrieval straightforward when users are ready to resume their interrupted tasks.
Supporting Neurodivergent Users
Perhaps most notably, Apple has specifically highlighted this feature’s benefits for neurodivergent individuals. People with ADHD, autism, or similar cognitive patterns often struggle disproportionately with task switching and interruptions. The “Hold That Thought” shortcut provides a structured system to maintain creative momentum and thought continuity despite external disruptions—a testament to Apple’s increased focus on inclusive design principles.
AI Battery Management Also Coming to iOS 19
Beyond the “Hold That Thought” shortcut, iOS 19 will introduce sophisticated AI-powered battery management. This system will monitor user behavior patterns to make intelligent power management decisions, such as adjusting settings to conserve energy based on individual usage habits. The technology leverages existing battery data to train the AI for predicting when specific applications need power reduction measures.
“Apple’s next progression in artificial intelligence could be hardware-centric, with the latest leak saying that it will be used to manage the battery life of the iPhone.” – Bloomberg.
This feature appears particularly geared toward supporting the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model, which will necessarily incorporate smaller batteries. The AI battery management system aims to maintain normal battery life despite reduced physical capacity, addressing potential consumer concerns about thinner devices. Additionally, the lock screen will display an indicator showing remaining recharge time, providing users with more transparent battery information.
