New iOS 14 Feature 'App Clips' Lets You Access 'Small Part' of an App Without Downloading Entire App

Apple today announced a new feature for iOS 14 called "App Clips," which surfaces information from relevant apps throughout the iOS 14 interface, without needing to download an entire app. Apple described App Clips as a "small part" of an app designed to be discovered the moment it is needed.

ios 14 app clips
App Clips load within seconds and let users complete specific tasks, like pay for parking using Sign In With Apple and Apple Pay. App Clips can be discovered and accessed by scanning Apple's new "App Clip codes," or by using NFC and QR codes. They can also be shared in Messages and Safari.

For more information on iOS 14, be sure to check out our full launch post.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2025

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Top Rated Comments

C DM Avatar
63 months ago
Sounds like a pretty good idea, as far as being able to use something that you don't already have, and might not even know about, and also as far as not necessarily needing to install a whole separate app for something that you might not really be using much.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dontwalkhand Avatar
63 months ago
Please let all of those restaurants with their own apps get this feature. I’m tired of having to download an app every time I want to order food like Chick Fil A
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lazy Avatar
63 months ago
I can think of several times I didn’t try something because I didn’t want to download another app and sign up for yet another account. This will be a very worthwhile feature.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NufSaid Avatar
63 months ago
I like this...
I think..
Maybe....
I am confused a bit on this one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C DM Avatar
63 months ago

It sounds like Apple admitting that there are too many bloated apps that hurt user experience.
Might be some of that, and might be more for discoverability of apps.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BornAgainMac Avatar
63 months ago
Seems like a Restful API type app approach.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)