Apple is working on a feature that allows users to use 3rd party applications without fully downloading them, 9To5mac reported. The new feature will allow users to experience various components of an application by simply scanning a QR code. Most applications generally have universal links that open the app directly in the Safari browser if it is not installed. This feature will change with the introduction of ‘Clips,’ which is the name of the new API that has been seen on the iOS 14 code.
Clips API allows developers to offer users relevant, interactive features even when the application isn’t installed. The content and features can be seen by the user since the Clips API is directly related to the QR Code reader. Users simply have to scan the code linked with the app and interact with a card that pops up on their device screens. The native user interface of the app is visible on the card instead of the webpage.
The card will also give teasers of more content inside the app, along with the link and instructions on how to download it.
A similar feature called ‘Slices’ can be seen on Android devices, which shows interactive parts of an app in places like the Google Search results and Google Assistant.
9To5mac has also reported that Apple is testing the new feature with OpenTable, Yelp, DoorDash, Sony (with its PS4 Second Screen app), and YouTube to implement the new API, possibly to use their apps as examples.
