Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 may let users sample apps by scanning QR codes before they buy them

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Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 may let users sample apps before they buy them by scanning QR codes

  • The feature was discovered in early builds of Apple’s iOS 14
  • It would allow users to scan QR codes or tap links to get app previews 
  • Once scanned or tapped, the link would display a card-style dynamic preview
  • It could help users gain insight into what they’re buying and help developers market apps 

By James Pero For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

A new feature in Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 may let users sample apps before they actually buy them.  

According to a report from 9to5Mac, code examined in early builds of iOS 14 show that the operating system would allow users to sample parts of third-party apps without actually installing them.

Instead, users would be able to scan a QR code or select a link on their iPhone or iPad and then have an interactive ‘card’ appear on their screen which allows them to test some of an app’s functionality. 

The feature would help developers market apps and would give customers more knowledge before they buy something (stock)

Specifically, scanning the code or clicking the link would open the preview in Apple’s Safari web browser that mimics a users native interface.

Theoretically, the feature would allow developers to better market apps while also giving customers more insight into what they’re buying before they pull the trigger.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple already appears to be testing the feature with apps like OpenTable, Yelp, DoorDash, Sony, specifically it’s its PS4 Second Screen app, and YouTube.

That means it could potentially be ready fro Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWD), which is set to take place in June.

The feature would mimic one already available in Google’s Android operating system called ‘Slices.’

Similarly, Slices enables Android to show interactive previews of an app in Google Search and Google Assistant so it’s possible Apple’s version may also be integrated with Apple’s spotlight feature according to 9to5Mac.

Rumors have swirled around what else iOS 14 has in store as WWDC approaches.

Apple has long been prickly when it comes to third-parties like Spotify using features in iOS, including Siri. However, it has recently begun to integrate those apps over the past year

Apple could release the feature at its upcoming developers conference (pictured) that is set to take place in June this year

Previously a report from Bloomberg, which cites ‘people familiar with the matter’, suggests Apple is considering allowing users to specify which apps are used for iOS tasks like email or web browsing.

That means iOS would no longer be forced into using Apple-made apps like Apple Mail to open emails or Safari for browsing web pages as has been the case since the operating system’s inception.