Back
Percy the Penguin
Percy the Penguin

Knowledge Base

March 14, 2025

7 min. read

Unlocking App Clips: Bite Sized Mobile Experiences

Unlocking Seamless Identity Verification with App Clips

App Clips, a feature introduced by Apple, has revolutionized the way users interact with apps. At Footprint, we leverage App Clips to provide a seamless and secure identity verification experience. In this article, we will delve into the world of App Clips, exploring their benefits, functionality, and how Footprint integrates them into our platform.

What are App Clips?

App Clips are bite-sized versions of apps that allow users to access specific features without downloading the full app. They provide an instant, native device experience that fosters trust and verifies the person behind the screen. With App Clips, users can quickly and easily complete tasks, such as identity verification, without the need for a full app download. Digital onboarding with KYC is a critical component of identity verification.

How do App Clips work?

App Clips utilize a combination of QR codes, NFC tags, and URLs to launch a mini-app experience. When a user scans a QR code or taps an NFC tag, the App Clip is launched, providing a seamless and intuitive experience. App Clips can also be launched from the web, allowing users to access specific features from a website. Know Your Customer (KYC) software often incorporates these technologies for identity verification.

Benefits of App Clips for Identity Verification

App Clips offer several benefits for identity verification, including:

  • Streamlined Onboarding: App Clips provide an efficient and user-friendly onboarding experience that reduces friction and increases conversion rates. This is a key component of KYC onboarding.
  • Accurate Identity Verification: App Clips enable robust and accurate identity verification, utilizing native device experiences and strong cryptography. This is essential for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.
  • Secure Data Storage: App Clips can be integrated with vaulting, enabling secure storage of sensitive user data. This is a critical aspect of Customer Due Diligence (CDD).

Footprint's App Clips Integration

At Footprint, we leverage App Clips to provide a seamless and secure identity verification experience. Our platform utilizes App Clips to:

  • Verify Identity: We use App Clips to verify the person behind the screen, ensuring accurate identity verification. This is a key component of Know Your Customer (KYC).
  • Enhance Device Checks: Our App Clips integration enables enhanced device checks, detecting and preventing fraud. This is essential for fraud detection in banking.
  • Provide a User-Friendly Experience: Our App Clips provide an intuitive and user-friendly experience, reducing friction and increasing conversion rates. This is a critical aspect of client onboarding software.

Technical Innovations and Unique Approaches

Our App Clips integration is built on top of our innovative approach to identity verification, which includes:

  • Passkeys: A cryptographic public key bound to the user's verified identity, enabling secure and phishing-resistant authentication. This is a key component of passkey technology.
  • Device Attestation: We utilize Apple and Google's device attestation frameworks to detect and prevent fraud. This is essential for fraud detection in banking.

Benefits and Value Propositions

Our App Clips integration offers numerous benefits to businesses, including:

  • Streamlined Onboarding: Efficient and user-friendly onboarding experience that reduces friction and increases conversion rates. This is a key component of KYC onboarding.
  • Accurate Identity Verification: Robust and accurate identity verification process that prevents fraud and ensures compliance. This is essential for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.
  • Secure Data Storage: Seamless integration of onboarding with vaulting, enabling secure storage of sensitive user data. This is a critical aspect of Customer Due Diligence (CDD).

Conclusion

App Clips have revolutionized the way users interact with apps, providing a seamless and secure identity verification experience. At Footprint, we leverage App Clips to provide a comprehensive solution to businesses, ensuring accurate identity verification, secure data storage, and streamlined onboarding. With Footprint, businesses can confidently onboard customers, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance, ultimately driving growth and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an App Clip and how does it work?

An App Clip is a small part of an app that focuses on a specific task, allowing users to discover and use the app without having to download the full version. App Clips are less than 10MB in size and can be launched from various entry points, including QR codes, NFC tags, and links in the Messages app. When a user opens an App Clip, they can use the app's functionality without having to install the full app.

How do App Clips handle user data and privacy?

App Clips are designed with user data and privacy in mind. When a user launches an App Clip, they can use the app's functionality without having to create an account or provide any personal information. If an App Clip needs to access user data, such as location or camera access, it will prompt the user to grant permission. App Clips are also subject to the same app review guidelines as full apps, ensuring that they meet the same standards for user data and privacy.

Can I use an App Clip offline, or do I need an internet connection?

App Clips are designed to work offline, but some features may require an internet connection. If an App Clip needs to access online data or services, it will prompt the user to connect to the internet. However, many App Clips can still provide basic functionality offline, allowing users to continue using the app even without a connection.

How do I know if an App Clip is from a trusted developer?

App Clips are subject to the same app review guidelines as full apps, ensuring that they meet the same standards for quality, security, and user experience. When a user launches an App Clip, they can check the developer's name and logo to verify that it is a legitimate app. Additionally, App Clips are signed with a digital certificate, which verifies that the app has not been tampered with or altered in any way.

Can I upgrade an App Clip to the full app?

Yes, users can easily upgrade an App Clip to the full app by tapping the "Get" button at the top of the App Clip. This will take them to the App Store, where they can download and install the full app. Any data or progress made in the App Clip will be transferred to the full app, allowing users to pick up where they left off.

Are App Clips available on all devices?

App Clips are available on devices running iOS 14 or later, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. They are not available on devices running earlier versions of iOS, but developers can still provide a link to the full app in the App Store for users with older devices.

Related Posts

Ready to start?

If you're looking to onboard customers quickly and securely store their sensitive data, we'd love to help. Schedule a call, reach out by email or stay up to date with the latest updates by following us on LinkedIn and X.

Penguin

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive updates on new blog posts & investor updates