

App Clips. I’ve used these several times to pay for meals at restaurants. Those use Local for Toast. QR code on bill. Scan it. Check the items. Add the tip. Pay with Apple Pay. I eventually installed the app, but I think it still uses the clip interface instead of opening the app. Did it for parking once too, different app. My local Sunoco also has App Clip tags at the pumps, but I don’t need those. Definitely a self-serve deal in my experience. I’d see more if I went out more often.
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-app-clips-iphb3a73ec53/ios
The solid decision to stay out of that business was made when Jobs signed the deal with AT&T for the iPhone. Apple handles the device. AT&T handles the network. This ensured iPhone would not get bogged down by carrier software, branding, etc.
By contrast, Android launched on carrier devices, like the T-Mobile G1 and Verizon Droid, and Google has gotten deeper into those devices over the years, from app stores to messaging. Taking on the carrier role is in line with that creep and Google’s mission to access and use the world’s information.