The differences between Apple App Clips and Android Instant Apps

Using an electronic scooter without installing an app first? This can be done by using App Clips and Instant Apps. App clips is a new extension that Apple launched in June. If you use an App Clip, you only have the functions you need at that moment.

Now you may have thought that App Clips was a completely revolutionary idea, but this is not entirely true. Google had already released Instant Apps in 2017. This is almost the same, but there are a few crucial differences. Read all about App Clips and Instant Apps in this blog!

Would you like to see some examples of how these apps are used in practice? Then click here.

• What are App Clips?
• What are Instant Apps?
• How do Instant Apps work?
• How do App Clips work?
• What are the advantages?
• The number of examples.
• What are the differences?
• What are the limits?
• Will this be the future?

WHAT ARE APP CLIPS?

App Clips are small app extensions to normal apps. One function that is offered separately, making it immediately usable without installing. Apple enforces this by setting a maximum of 10MB for an App Clip. Because the apps are so small, they work immediately without having to install the app first. So you can immediately use the functions you need at that moment. Everything works quickly and simply because you can immediately log in with Apple Sign In and pay with Apple Pay.

It is important to note that the functions of an App Clip are limited. So if you only need something at a certain time, you only use that App Clip. If you want to use all functions later, you can easily download the app. Watch the release video of App Clips below.

WHAT ARE INSTANT APPS?

App Clips are not something new or revolutionary. Three years earlier in 2017, Android launched the Instant Apps. This allows the user to download the Instant App with, for example, a QR code. Because the mobile app only goes up to 15MB, you can use it immediately without downloading the app first.

For companies that use apps, this is an ideal way to introduce people to your app. This allows you to immediately make more sales or get more downloads. After all, this was the idea of Android. However, not much use has been made of it. Maybe Apple’s App Clips will change this?

Now you may notice that App Clips and Instant Apps are quite similar. Apple must have taken a lot of inspiration from the way Instant Apps work. Although there are a few differences that are crucial to success. We will come back to this later.

HOW DO INSTANT APPS WORK?

Besides the fact that the App Clips are almost the same as Instant Apps, they also work the same. For example, by scanning a QR code, you will get a pop-up containing the Instant App. You can then immediately use the Instant App.

This works the same for Instant Apps as for the App Clips. For example, scan the QR code at the parking meter and you can immediately download and use the Instant App.

HOW DO APP CLIPS WORK?

You know, you park your car and have to pay for it. To pay at the parking meter you have to remember your number plate and buy a ticket. Or you download an app to pay for your parking ticket. Downloading an app is easier but still tedious to download an app at every new opportunity.

App Clips have been created for this. You can scan the App Clip code with your iPhone with both your camera and NFC.

You grab your phone, scan the code and pay immediately with Apple Pay. Or you use Safari to search for an electric bicycle, for example. Via the website, you can directly download an App Clip and rent the bike. Other options are Apple cards, QR codes, NFC tags, or via chat. The image below shows how this works in practice.

An App Clip has the advantages of a Progressive Web App (PWA) and a native app. Best of both worlds! The app also works offline and super fast. Thanks to the NFC tags, which are built-in as standard from the iPhone 7, you can use the app on your phone without opening your phone. Of course, you have to open your screen before use.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

The benefits of both the App Clips and Instant Apps are the same. The apps are both optimized for speed. At some point, a user needs part of the app. The user can use the app directly through the App Clip or Instant App. This has many advantages for both the user and the administrator.

A number of advantages for the user:

• Works super fast and easy
• Can use the app directly
• Even if you run out of storage space

A number of advantages for the manager:

• You refer the user directly to the desired page
• More downloads because use is accessible
• You bind the user earlier in the customer journey
• App Clips and Instant Apps work well with the app

But how much does it actually make a difference? As a manager, you want to avoid as much friction as possible. If the regular process is too much work for the user at that time, he will therefore choose not to use your app.

With the app download flow, the process consists of eight steps. With the App Clip Flow, the process consists of three steps. And these steps are also much faster. It may seem a bit exaggerated but for the user, any kind of friction is too much. Do you not use App Clips or Instant apps in the future? Then you can miss a lot of downloads or orders.

NUMBER OF EXAMPLES.

We give some examples of how App Clips or Instant Apps are used properly. We have already used the example when parking and ordering clothes. But these apps come in handy much more often. Read the practical examples below.

Imagine that you are sitting on the terrace with a friend for lunch. On the table is a sign with an NFC tag. Do you order from the waiter or do you quickly hold your phone against the sign to order your coffee immediately? In 2020 it is becoming more and more common to pick up the phone.

You are planning a weekend trip with your boyfriend or girlfriend. During the weekend you want to rent a bicycle. Now that you are in the garage, it appears that you need an app. Do you want to download the complete app or do you want to use an Instant App or App Clip once? For many, the choice is easy. An additional advantage is that the app remains on the phone for a few weeks and is then removed automatically. The extension can therefore be used all weekend.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

Now that we have covered almost everything, we come to the question: what is the difference? As we now know, the difference is minimal. The concept of a small app with limited functions is the same for both. With Instant Apps you have a few more options because the maximum size is up to 15MB instead of 10MB. This doesn’t seem like much, but if you express this in percentages, the Instant App can be 50% larger than the App Clip.

The problem with the Instant Apps is that it still gives some friction to use them. First of all, Instant Apps must be activated in the settings. In addition, Apple has the basis much stronger. Because (almost) everyone at Apple now uses NFC tags, quick sign in and Apple Pay, which fits well with the App Clips, the launch will also have a better chance of success.

In addition, App Clips has more options to connect. With App Clips, you can use the apps via App Banners, NFC tags, QR codes, Apple Clip Codes, Apple Maps, and the Apple App Store. Instant Apps has QR codes, App banners, Play Store.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?

The limits that Instant Apps has shown is that there is still too much friction to use them. In some cases, it is almost faster to order via the webshop than to use the Instant App.

For the app developer, the 10 or 15 MB limit is also a limitation. It is, therefore, necessary to look carefully at which functions are essential at that moment. The functions must focus on a direct action that the user can take. In addition, the user must be so satisfied that he or she immediately considers downloading the app.

WILL THIS BE THE FUTURE?

As a full-service app developer, we see a lot of potential in App Clips and Instant apps. We also have the knowledge to develop the extensions. It is important to know that an extension can only be developed if a complete app exists. Multiple extensions can be developed for each app for different occasions.

It has enormous potential for app administrators and many benefits for the users. However, the future should teach us. In any case, we look at it positively.

Have you become enthusiastic about App Clips or Instant Apps? Please feel free to contact us, we are happy to think along with you!