what happened to Apple’s mini apps?

Along with iOS 14, Apple introduced a new way to use apps. With App Clips you can use an app without installing the app. Unfortunately, it seems that the feature has been forgotten at Apple…

Apple App Clips: what is it…

It was a nice idea from Apple: using the functions of apps without having to install the whole app right away. This way you could still use a free offer and you did not immediately have to install the corresponding app.

There were several apps that supported App Clips, but most of the apps were for US use only. For example, you could quickly rent a scooter without installing the app or place an order at a sandwich shop.

… and what happened to it?

Apple had put the App Clips in iOS 14 and had quite big plans with it. However, not much has come of it in recent years. That’s also because Apple had released the App Clips feature during the corona period. Of course, the fact that everyone had to stay indoors as much as possible did not do the position much good.

The app owners were also not really waiting for a kind of mini-app. Many companies use their own app to obtain more data from users. After all, data is almost as important as sales in the apps themselves.

And why would you as an end user want to install another app if you can still use App Clips? Even when companies already have an app, they are not easily inclined to implement App Clips. In addition, the unfamiliarity of App Clips also played a role.

New App Clips every now and then

Still, Apple occasionally tries to use App Clips. For example, you were recently able to download a new background for your Apple Watch. Scan the code below with your iPhone (with the camera app). Unfortunately, it will probably stay there for a while, but maybe Apple will be able to revive the function in the future.

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