Creating iOS App Clips – Setup
App Clips were introduced at WWDC 2020 as a method of shipping a stripped down version of an iOS app that has a few advantages:
The user does not need to input a password to download the app
The app can be invoked from various sources, such as an NFC tag, QR code, a webpage, the Messages app, or a unique App Clip code
You can send the user notifications for 8 hours from when the App Clip is launched, even without a permissions prompt.
All of this makes for a very streamlined experience for users and removes a lot of the friction of trying a new app.
A lot of Apple’s example revolve around real-world places, such as paying and ordering at a restaurant or paying to park your car. But they can be applied to any app.
Restrictions
App Clips
Useful Links
While working on App Clips I’ve found a few links particularly useful and have them compiled here.
App Clip Code Generator
This is a command line tool that creates App Clip Codes. It can be used to create these in batches and is a good way to ensure your URL will fit in a single image.
It’s available from Apple’s Developer Downloads.