Like ninjas, QR Codes came to us from Japan. Then, like ninjas, they faded into the darkness. Now, like a ninja master, Apple is bringing them back.

Infiltration via iOS11

Among the less publicised updates in iOS 11 was a tweak to Camera that gives it the native ability to read QR codes.

As of the update, if you point you iPhone camera at a QR code, you’ll get a prompt to follow a URL. If you tap it, you’re taken there.

First the East, then the world

In fact, this stealth upgrade was probably intended, first and foremost, to give Apple products an edge in the Chinese market. However, Apple apparently saw little harm in making it part of the global iOS update.

A baked-in QR reader is a shot in the arm for an otherwise less-than-convenient link format.

They’ve never been particularly pretty and users had to download a third-party app to use them. Now, the third-party app requirement is solved for iOS users.

Rise of the squares

If marketers can make their URL appear to every iPhone users who points their device the right direction, they’d be fool not to.

Hot or not, QR codes are coming back.

Are you raring for QR’s 2017 revival, or will you be keeping a bag over its head until you sure it’s safe in public?

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.