iOS App Clip

Microsoft | Phone Link iOS

To streamline onboarding for our iPhone + Windows cross-device experience, I proposed leveraging Apple’s then-new App Clip framework to eliminate friction for first-time users. At the time, App Clips were completely uncharted territory within Microsoft. I pitched the idea to leadership: users could scan a QR code from the Phone Link app on their Windows PC using the iPhone’s native camera, instantly launching a lightweight App Clip for our iOS companion app, Link to Windows. Within seconds—no App Store visit required—users could consent, pair their iPhone via Bluetooth, and unlock calling, messaging, contacts, call history, and notification sync on their PC. I built the initial prototype, secured executive buy-in, and led the feature through to production. This App Clip experience became the primary onboarding path, ultimately accounting for well over two-thirds of all new user activations and playing a pivotal role in the product’s success. We were also the first team at Microsoft to ship an iOS App Clip in a live product.