Product Introduction

1. Raycast for iOS is a mobile productivity toolkit designed as an extension of its macOS counterpart, enabling seamless workflow continuity across Apple devices. It integrates AI capabilities, note-taking systems, reusable snippets, quick resource links, and cross-device synchronization into a unified mobile interface. The app functions as a portable command center, providing instant access to productivity tools through iOS-native features like widgets and system shortcuts. It maintains full compatibility with macOS workflows while optimizing interactions for touch-based mobile use.

2. The core value of Raycast for iOS lies in its ability to synchronize desktop-grade productivity tools with mobile convenience, eliminating workflow fragmentation. By ensuring real-time sync of AI chats, notes, and organizational tools across devices, it enables professionals to maintain efficiency regardless of location. The app leverages iOS-specific capabilities like Lock Screen widgets and Control Center integration to reduce friction in daily tasks. Its design philosophy centers on minimizing context-switching between devices while maximizing platform-specific mobile advantages.

Main Features

1. Raycast AI Integration: The app provides unified access to multiple large language models (LLMs) from providers like OpenAI, Mistral, Perplexity, and Anthropic, synced across macOS and iOS. Users can continue AI-powered conversations or execute commands like text summarization directly from their iPhone, with outputs available on all linked devices. Voice Dictation powered by Whisper supports over 50 languages, enabling hands-free interaction with AI tools during mobile use.

2. Snippets and Quicklinks System: Frequently used data like code templates, addresses, or project resources are stored in categorized snippets for instant reuse in emails, messages, or documents. Quicklinks organize critical web resources, internal tools, or documents into one-tap shortcuts that sync via iCloud. Both features support Markdown formatting and can be accessed through Raycast’s unified search or iOS Share Sheet.

3. Deep iOS Ecosystem Integration: The app integrates with iOS 18’s updated Control Center, allowing users to add Raycast controls for AI queries or note-taking. iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button can be configured to trigger Raycast AI or Notes instantly. Home Screen widgets display frequently used snippets, quicklinks, or AI presets, while Lock Screen widgets enable rapid actions without unlocking the device. System-wide shortcuts let users save selected text to Notes or convert it via AI commands from any app.

Problems Solved

1. Fragmented Cross-Device Workflows: Professionals often lose productivity when switching between desktop and mobile due to unsynced tools or data. Raycast for iOS eliminates this by ensuring AI interactions, notes, and resources remain consistent across macOS and iOS. Real-time synchronization allows users to start tasks on Mac and complete them on iPhone without manual transfers.

2. Mobile Productivity Limitations: The target user group includes developers, project managers, and remote workers who require access to complex workflows on mobile. It serves Apple ecosystem users needing synchronized AI tools, code snippets, and meeting notes across devices. Teams benefit from shared quicklinks to internal resources and collaborative note templates.

3. On-the-Go Efficiency Demands: Typical use cases include reviewing meeting notes during commutes using iOS widgets, dictating AI queries via voice while traveling, or retrieving code snippets during mobile development. The Activity Sheet Extension lets users apply AI commands to text selected in third-party apps like Safari or Mail. Lock Screen controls enable quick capture of ideas or task launches without disrupting current activities.

Unique Advantages

1. Cross-Platform Workflow Parity: Unlike standalone mobile productivity apps, Raycast for iOS mirrors the macOS version’s capabilities, including the same AI models, snippet libraries, and shortcut configurations. Competitors lack this level of synchronization depth, often requiring separate mobile implementations.

2. iOS-Specific Innovations: The app uniquely utilizes iOS 18 features like customizable Control Center modules for Raycast actions and Lock Screen widgets for glanceable productivity tools. Integration with iPhone 15 Pro’s Action Button enables hardware-triggered AI access, a feature absent in similar apps.

3. Unified AI Ecosystem: Raycast consolidates access to 12+ LLMs through a single interface, whereas competitors typically limit users to one AI provider. The AI Presets system allows instant switching between models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini within the same chat window, optimized for mobile interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Raycast AI?
   Raycast AI is a unified interface for multiple state-of-the-art language models, including those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity. It enables synced AI conversations and commands across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, with outputs formatted for direct integration into notes or messages. The system supports custom prompts and preserves chat histories across all devices.

2. Is Raycast available on Android?
   No, Raycast currently supports only Apple ecosystems (macOS, iOS, iPadOS), with a Windows version in development. The team prioritizes deep integration with iOS features like Shortcuts and Widgets before expanding to other platforms. Android compatibility remains under consideration for future roadmaps.

3. How do you handle my data?
   Raycast employs end-to-end encryption for AI interactions and user content, with GDPR-compliant data handling practices. All LLM providers operate under strict API agreements that prohibit data retention for model training. Detailed security protocols are documented at https://manual.raycast.com/raycast-ai-privacy-security.