FinTech News
Klarna Introduces Price-Tracking Widget for iOS
Recently, the Swedish FinTech Klarna has made a name for itself stateside, offering shoppers the ability to purchase items with a simple four-payment plan. Now, the company has introduced a new price-tracking widget for iPhone users. According to the app, this widget will rotate through recently-viewed and saved items and share relevant pricing updates. While the app notes that the addition of this tool will help shoppers score the best deals during the holiday season, the feature is a permanent addition.
To set-up the Klarna iOS widget, users will first need to ensure that their phone is updated to iOS 14 and that their Klarna app is the latest version. Then, users can add the widget by holding down on their home screen, selecting the “+” in the upper right corner, and choosing Klarna. Currently, there are three different Klarna widget sizes available: 1×1, 2×1, and 2×2.
Speaking to how Klarna’s iOS widget will be able to help consumer’s this holiday shopping season, the company’s Senior Product Director Daniel Lange said in a statement, “With online shopping becoming the new norm and as people prepare for the upcoming holiday season, the Klarna app can play an integral role in simplifying this busy shopping period. With these new features, we want shoppers to feel in control while getting access to all of the best products and brands in a simple and tailored way, all from the comfort of home.”
This new iOS feature is just the latest development for the fast-growing FinTech. Last month, the department store chain Macy’s announced it had reached a partnership with the app that would not only see Klarna added as a payment option for shoppers but would also lead the retail chain to make an investment of undisclosed size in the startup. That deal was just the cherry on top of a reported $650 million funding round, which gave them a post money valuation of $10.65 billion.
Although this newest feature may not be earth-shattering, it does show once again that Klarna is positioning itself for expansion. For example, while the app’s main focus is payments, it’s not hard to imagine them growing their slate of products and services over time — as many other FinTechs have successfully done. If nothing else, the widget fuction could win Klarna some new users who may be interested in price tracking but have no use for the payment plan function just yet. In that aspect, this seemingly small addition could prove to be a Trojan horse of sorts as it sets up future customers. Is that a bit overblown? Perhaps — but keep your eye on Klarna anyway.
