As part of its iOS14 update in late 2020, Apple will launch “app clips”. But what are app clips
and why should you be so excited about them? We’ll explore how this new iOS feature can help your app.
Apple used this year’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) to announce major changes in the look
and feel of their mobile operating system before its big launch of iOS 14 this year.
The next iOS update promises to be one of the biggest in the recent memory from icons on the home screen
up to an overhaul app drawer.
However, the newest feature that has got us seeing great potential and the one we think you should start thinking of is the forthcoming Apple App Clips feature.
App Clips.
WWDC 2020’s most underrated feature
WHAT ARE APP CLIPS?
To encourage or activate a particular action, App Clips provide consumers with a tiny slick of your app (not more than 10MB). For starters, order a coffee, see your gym’s schedule or unlock a bike share.
Because they’re far smaller applications, users can have direct access to App Clips without needing to download an app simply by scanning a QR code or taping an NFC tag.
This feature is suggestive for proximity interactivity. It would allow a potential client to be on premise for a quick and easy interaction with the world around them. Could be handy in the contactless world.
App clips is branded as the twist of Apple on Google’s Instant Apps, but it does not really offer the ability to change how you communicate with your customers. The vast majority of Android users appear to be concerned with Instant Devices. On the other hand, App Clips could become the point of entry on your customer journey.
More importantly, for companies and brands, App Clips also provide the user with the opportunity to access the full app experience. Integrations with Apple Pay and sign up to Apple make the entire process fast, allowing users to quickly complete and get on the way without having to hunt down for your App Store.
WHY APP CLIPS MATTER TO YOU
Discoverability is one of the most challenging new apps in today’s App Store, with more than 2+ million apps currently striving for your attention.
For people spending 77 per cent of their time in their favourite apps, attracting and retaining user attention is becoming increasingly difficult. And with user retention rates falling 6% between 2018 and 2019, it is equally difficult to maintain their interest.
Apple’s App Clips aims for proximity interaction. It instantly allows a user to interact with their surrounding for a smooth emergence.
Joseph Sachs
App Clips provides the perfect opportunity to put the designed and developed app clip to new users and turn it into returning customers. App clips can give you a window to impress potential customers during the seamless customer journey by removing the frictional points of the discovery and then downloading your app.
Imagine a Rent a Scooter, as you would have to enter details like contact information and how long you plan to keep it, and the App Clip would also have to interact with the kiosk that you rent it out.
Thankfully, we have an insider who gave us some valuable tips on how to shop it expertly so you can get there first.
There are a number of reasons why customers can choose to pay cash and card over their own app, but two of the most important reasons are discoverability and convenience. It’s not worthwhile taking the time to download and sign up for some people.
WHEN DO WE SEE THIS?
When iOS 14 (General Availability) is officially released this autumn / fall of 2020, app clips will be widely available, with a quick scan or tap that will pull an App Clip card up to the computer, and are activated with App Clip codes, QR codes or NFC tags. Taping the App Clip will open the App Clip so that you can make a payment or follow instructions or hundreds of other possible applications that you can probably see.