iOS 14 Might Allow Users to Partially Interact With Apps Without Installing Them

Apple is developing a new feature that would allow users to interact with select content and experiences in third-party apps without needing to have the apps installed, according to an early build of iOS 14 obtained by 9to5Mac.

android slices

Android Slices

The report claims a new API referred to as "Clips" in iOS 14 code would enable users to scan a QR code linked to an app and then interact with content from that app via a floating card on the screen. The card would display options to download the full version of the app from the App Store or to open the content in the app if it is already installed.

Android has a similar feature named "Slices":

Slices are UI templates that can display rich, dynamic, and interactive content from your app from within the Google Search app and later in other places like the Google Assistant. Slices can help users perform tasks faster by enabling engagement outside of the fullscreen app experience.

Apple is said to be testing the new feature with OpenTable, Yelp, DoorDash, YouTube, and Sony's PS4 Second Screen app.

Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: iOS 14

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

New MacBook Pros Could Now Arrive in March

Sunday February 8, 2026 6:02 am PST by
New MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the release of new MacBook Pro models is tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3. The launch is said to be slated for as early as the week of March 2. He added that the M4 Pro and M4 Max models on sale today...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...

Top Rated Comments

Joniz Avatar
76 months ago
Letting me interact with iOS updates before downloading them would be great.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
76 months ago
I wish we’d get a rumor that Apple is making text selection better. For sure with iPhones but also iPads where no physical keyboard or mouse/trackpad is present. Apple removed 3D Touch but what they replaced it with is not a proper replacement.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iRutherford Avatar
76 months ago
Great if true! I keep installing useless junk because they look good in screenshots, only to delete them right after.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
76 months ago
iOS 14 sounds like it's going to be big
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeoStructural Avatar
76 months ago

OMG if you’re that unhappy why don’t you go with Android?
He is probably invested in the ecosystem, paid a lot for his device and wants a good experience, why is that too much to ask? Ffs.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
76 months ago

The only iOS feature I want is a camera feature android has. Specifically, aspect ratio selection, so when in still camera mode, you can use the physical full screen of your phone & not have portioned off bezels.
Do you really care more about having the image cropped to fit the display while shooting the picture, than about having the phone use the full size of the image sensor available? You can always crop later.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)