App Clips
Small, instantly loading parts of an iOS app that let people complete one quick task, like paying for parking or ordering coffee, without installing the full app.
Definition
An App Clip is a lightweight slice of an iOS app that opens in seconds without a download from the App Store. Apple introduced App Clips in iOS 14. People launch them from NFC tags, App Clip Codes, QR codes, links in Messages, Safari Smart App Banners or place cards in Maps. An App Clip focuses on a single task, such as renting a scooter, paying a bill or joining a waitlist, and can offer to install the full app afterward. App Clips have a strict size limit, so they include only the screens needed for that task.
Why It Matters
Every install step loses people. App Clips remove it for moments where someone needs your service once, right now, often in a physical place. For businesses with stores, venues or vehicles, an App Clip turns a sticker or QR code into a working checkout. It also opens a short window of engagement: App Clips can send notifications for up to 8 hours after launch without asking for full permission, which is enough for "your order is ready" messages.
How It Works
Developers add an App Clip target to their existing Xcode project and share code with the main app. The App Clip is submitted with the app and gets App Clip experiences configured in App Store Connect, which map URLs to the clip's content and card. When a user scans a code or taps a link, iOS shows a card with your image and a button, then downloads and opens the clip. Data can be handed to the full app if the user installs it, and Sign in with Apple and Apple Pay make one-tap checkout possible. iOS removes App Clips that are not used for a while.
Example
A parking operator puts App Clip Codes on every meter:
- The driver scans the code with the iPhone camera.
- A card appears: "Pay for parking, Zone 14" with an Open button.
- The App Clip loads in seconds, the driver picks 2 hours and pays with Apple Pay.
- 15 minutes before expiry, the clip sends a notification: "Your parking ends soon. Tap to extend."
- After the session, it suggests installing the full app for saved cars and receipts.
Best Practices
- 1Build the clip around one task that people do in a specific place or moment
- 2Use Apple Pay and Sign in with Apple to avoid forms
- 3Offer the full app after the task is done, not before
- 4Use the temporary notification window only for messages about the task the user started
- 5Hand data to the full app on install so users do not start over
App Clip Launch Points
| Launch point | Example |
|---|---|
| App Clip Code or QR code | Sticker on a scooter or parking meter |
| NFC tag | Tap-to-order at a café table |
| Link in Messages | A friend shares a booking link |
| Safari Smart App Banner | A restaurant's website |
| Maps place card | "Order" button on a business listing |