How do App Clips work?

In iOS 14, App Clips are a mini-application service. With this service, there is no need to download entire applications.

App Clips?

App Clips are mini-applications for temporary use. They are downloaded to your smartphone by scanning a QR code, clicking on a link or by arriving at some point. Remarkably, the phone memory is not clogged with downloaded apps, as the mini-applications are deleted immediately after use.

What are App Clips for?

In fact, it is a versatile addition to your smartphone. For example, it facilitates actions in the service sector. The principle is that a customer visits a place of business, where the App Clips reacts instantly and places an order out of turn, paying with Apple Pay.

There is also the option of using

bikeshare or carshare – when accessing transport, there is no need to wait to download the app’s unlock, register in it and link it to a card. With a scan when you can quickly log in to your Apple ID and borrow a vehicle.

The app gives you access to shared lists and shopping lists. This makes it much easier to share necessary information with people.

For example, cultural institutions like museums can run stories about exhibits and other assets by running augmented reality data. And banks would be able to issue coupons at the first appearance of a customer out of turn.

When will the service gain popularity in establishments?

It is unlikely that the app will be used everywhere. Most likely, it will be available in elite establishments and large companies with their own brand and some kind of popularity. But it is possible that, over time, the developers will populate the application with a larger list of mini-applications and allow it to be used almost anywhere. Especially since App Clips takes up no more than 10 MB. The software code can be stored for 30 days. No application icons are stored, which saves a lot of space. Therefore, the program has all chances to become popular for everyday use.

Are there any analogues? Which ones?

The same principle is applied on Android with the help of Google. The service is called the Android Instant App. It allows you to use beta applications and their limited functionality without downloading.

Is the app secure?

Absolutely. The mini-apps are subjected to a thorough analysis by the moderators, so there can be no viruses or data leaks.

How do I try App Clips now?

The app is not available for everyday use right now, but you can test its beta version from TestFlight. This, too, is an app from Apple created for the purpose of hosting test builds of services. The developers get feedback from the users to improve the app and the users become “pioneers” in the use of the software.

There are at least two applications that can be used to test App Clips – Parcel and Roskett Lists. To use them, you need to download the TestFlight app to your iPhone, which will access the app links. You then only need to confirm your participation in the apps.

It seems that with the introduction of such a universal service, many of the same-type apps will lose their share of attention. The focus of users will shift from downloading apps to using them on a one-off basis.