iOS 14 Might Allow Users to Partially Interact With Apps Without Installing Them - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

78 months ago
Letting me interact with iOS updates before downloading them would be great.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
78 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
78 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
78 months ago
iOS 14 sounds like it's going to be big
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeoStructural Avatar
78 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
78 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)