App Clips
Also known as: App Clip, lightweight app, instant app iPhone
An App Clip is a small, instant piece of an app that runs without a full install — for tasks like paying for parking or renting a scooter. App Clips are intentionally tiny and are removed automatically after a period of disuse, so they rarely affect storage.
- Instant, install-free slices of an app
- Intentionally tiny; auto-removed when unused
- Reviewed in Settings > General > iPhone Storage > App Clips
What App Clips are
App Clips launch from a QR code, NFC tag, link, or Maps so you can complete one task instantly without visiting the App Store. They are designed to be lightweight, so each clip stays small and downloads in moments.
A clip is a focused slice of a larger app. If you use the service often, iOS prompts you to get the full app; otherwise the clip simply handles the one-off interaction and goes away.
Storage and cleanup
iOS manages App Clips for you and removes unused ones automatically, so they do not pile up the way installed apps can. You can review and clear them under Settings > General > iPhone Storage > App Clips, where deleting them also clears their data.