How it works
Customers can open the App Clip by scanning a QR code or tapping an NFC tag (for example, an NFC stand or card). This launches a native Waitwhile experience on their iPhone.
iPhone users get a native iOS experience.
Android users are automatically redirected to the default web-based experience.
App Clips uses your existing Waitwhile branding for styling native elements such as the Live activity widget showing real-time status updates on lock screen and home screen.
iPhone users cannot normally receive push notifications unless they have an app installed. App Clips now allow iPhone users to receive push notifications.
Note: Requires iOS 17 or later. Older iOS versions will redirect to the default web-based experience.
What happens after joining with an App Clip?
Once a customer signs up using the App Clip on an iPhone (iOS 17+), the following real-time features are enabled:
Live Activities (iOS 17+)
Customers will see a Live Activity appear on their Locked Screen and in the Dynamic Island (on supported devices). This provides ongoing, glanceable updates based on existing settings, such as:
Their position in the queue
Estimated wait time
Status changes (e.g. "You're next!", "Ready now")
Note: Live Activities are visible for up to 8 hours after sign-up.
Push Notifications
When a customer joins via an App Clip, push notifications are enabled automatically and may include:
Join confirmation
Wait time updates
A notification when it’s their turn
Service status updates or important instructions
Note: You can fully customise your push notification strategy by selecting specific triggers and tailoring the message content. Additionally, Enterprise customers can configure SMS as a fallback channel to ensure message delivery if a push notification fails or, is not tapped.
Learn more about Push Notifications here: How to enable and configure Guest Push Notifications
For a Visit with an expected wait time of eight hours or more, the system automatically prompts users to opt-in for extended push notifications.
How to configure
Step 1: Customize your account-wide App Clip welcome card
Go to Account settings > App Clips
Title: Your business name or welcome message
Subtitle: Brief description (e.g., “Join the waitlist in seconds”)
Header image: Upload a branded image
Add translations for multiple languages (required)
Click Submit to Apple to send your configuration for review
Apple review typically takes a few hours
You can resubmit if needed, but note that a new submission will override any ongoing submission
Step 2: Enable App Clips for your registration flow
These notification flows can be enabled globally through your Account Settings or customized for specific sites under Location Settings.
Account level
Go to Account settings > Location Directory
Location level
Go to Location settings > Registration > App Clip Registration
Toggle Enable App Clip on
Preview your App Clip card and Live Activity
Access the setup guides for QR codes and NFC tags and follow the instructions
Have additional questions or need assistance? Reach out to us via chat or at support@waitwhile.com.