Google is making significant changes to its Wallet ecosystem, with both expansions and contractions in functionality across different markets and devices.
India Launch with Restricted Features
Google Wallet is finally making its debut in India, but with a catch - it won't support payments. The app will focus solely on storing and managing:
- Loyalty cards
- Event tickets
- Boarding passes
- Corporate badges
This restricted functionality means Google Pay will remain the primary payment app for Indian users, handling UPI and NFC transactions. The coexistence of both apps may lead to some user confusion.
Notably, Google Wallet in India is exclusive to Android devices and won't be available on iOS or Wear OS platforms.
End of Support for Older Devices
While expanding into new markets, Google is also pruning support for older hardware. Starting June 10, Google Wallet will require:
- Android 9 or higher on smartphones
- Wear OS 2.x or higher on smartwatches
Google cites security concerns as the primary reason for this change, stating: To help keep Wallet features such as tap to pay transactions more secure, we must be able to send security updates to your device.
Impact on Users
These changes reflect Google's ongoing efforts to balance expansion with security and modern feature support. However, they present challenges for some users:
- Indian consumers will need to juggle two apps for a complete digital wallet experience.
- Users of older Android phones and Wear OS devices will need to upgrade or lose access to Google Wallet functionality.
As mobile payment and digital wallet usage continues to grow, Google's strategy aims to provide enhanced features while maintaining a secure ecosystem. Users of affected devices should consider their options before the June 10 cutoff date.