Google has long been using a feature called App Indexing on Android that would allow users to find in-app content through web searches and then jump straight into the relevant information in the app. Now that feature is coming to iOS too.
Google says that starting today, App Indexing will begin appearing in Google searches performed in either the Google App or Chrome for iOS. As you can see in the image above, you can perform a Google search and if an app supports App Indexing, you’ll find a link that’ll push you to the relevant info in the app if you’ve got it installed or you’ll get an install link if you don’t have it.
Google says that it’s launching App Indexing for iOS globally with a small group of partners, but that it’s working to add more developers soon. For now, devs can follow a few steps found in the Google Developers blog post to get their app ready for App Indexing.
Native apps can often provide a better user experience than a mobile website, and this App Indexing feature aims to help users have a smoother experience when they’re booking a dinner reservation or whatever else. That’s why it’s nice to see App Indexing making its way to iOS, and hopefully Google will extend the feature to more devs in a hurry.