You can now launch the XPAND Code Reader from an App Clip Code. It works on iOS 14.3 and above — just try scanning it with the standard camera. The XPAND/QR/JAN code reader launches without any app installation. Pinch-to-zoom is also now supported, which in some situations has extended the XPAND Code reading distance several times over.
If you are on iOS 14–14.2, you can still launch directly from a QR code via the standard camera, no installation required. On Android (excluding some models), you can launch directly via Google Play by tapping “Try Now”.
Both App Clip Codes and QR Codes have a launch URL embedded in them, but accessing the same URL in Safari does not appear to launch the App Clip. At the moment, launching from a web page is only possible via a Smart App Banner. Also, please note that App Clips will not launch from QR code readers other than the standard camera app — this appears to be an intentional restriction of the standard camera.