Apple's iPhone Duo includes a Shortcuts automation trigger that reacts to the device being opened or closed, according to MacRumors, opening the door to custom actions tied to the hinge.
The trigger is called "Opened or Closed" and sits in the Display category of automations in the Shortcuts app. MacRumors reports that it was first spotted in September by code sleuth pdfu, who found it in the iPhone Duo simulator before the phone went on sale. YouTuber Stephen Robles has since highlighted it.
What it can do
As a Shortcuts trigger, it can start any action a shortcut can perform whenever the phone changes between its open and closed states. The example MacRumors gives is switching to a different wallpaper when the device is opened and switching back when it is closed. Other uses would follow the same pattern, since the trigger simply runs whatever shortcut the user attaches to it.
Early interest from power users
MacRumors notes that Federico Viticci of MacStories has said he plans to explore what he calls "hinge automations." Viticci is well known in the Shortcuts community, so more detailed write-ups of creative uses may follow.
What is not yet clear
The MacRumors report does not specify which version of iOS first included the trigger, and it does not describe any limitations, reliability issues or settings needed to make it work. It also does not provide step-by-step setup instructions; it only points to where the trigger can be found.
The discovery adds to a growing list of software details people are finding on the iPhone Duo since it reached stores worldwide last week. Apple has not published a dedicated announcement about this trigger, according to the report, so how far Apple expects people to take it remains an open question.
To look for it on an iPhone Duo, open the Shortcuts app, go to the Automation tab, create a new personal automation and browse the Display options. Availability may depend on the software version installed on the device.
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