Shulou(Shulou.com)11/24 Report--

CTOnews.com, December 13 (Xinhua) during the COVID-19 epidemic, Apple introduced a "light App" (App Clips) function into its iOS 14 system, and users do not need to fully install the application to use some of the app's features. However, the feature has not achieved much since it was launched two years ago, and the biggest question for developers and consumers is "is this necessary?"

Apple's website describes "light App" as follows:

Light App is a small part of the App feature that can be used whenever needed and allows people to complete a task quickly in App, even before a full App is installed.

Whether it's ordering takeout from a restaurant, renting a scooter or setting up a new connected appliance for the first time, people can easily start and complete the task after starting the light App. When the task is complete, you can provide the opportunity to download the complete App from App Store.

Part of App

Light App is a small part of App, so you can use iOS SDK to create it in the same Xcode project as the full App. Each light App is lightweight and can be opened quickly even if it has not been installed on the device. When you are ready to submit for approval, you can manage the light App in the App Store Connect as part of the complete App.

Download the full App

Light App provides an opportunity to quickly demonstrate the value of App. To make it easier for people to download the full App, you can display the download options in the light App at the right time. You can even retain any information provided by the user and seamlessly transfer it to the full App.

CTOnews.com learned that Light App was launched in 2020, when many people were forced to be quarantined at home because of the epidemic. In a 2021 interview with Applefun Podcast, Wiley Hodges, Apple's director of product management and marketing, said the initial bright flame of Light App had faded because of the isolation of the epidemic.

Another problem is that if "light App" becomes mainstream, it will be difficult for developers to get higher profits in this way because App Clips does not require users to download complete applications and set up accounts with private information. After all, many technology companies use user data as a means of revenue. And "light App" once promoted in an all-round way is bound to affect earnings.

If a complete application already exists, retailers will not be immediately encouraged to create a "light App" version. Especially when complete applications and websites already exist, you can collect user data and have cross-platform capabilities, so why do developers have to develop "light App", which is not only laborious but not beneficial.

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