Google Wallet, a digital wallet service for Android devices and Wear OS smartwatches, will no longer be available for devices using operating systems prior to Android 9 and Wear OS 2 starting June 10. The app allows users to store payment and loyalty cards, as well as tickets, by activating NFC transmission on their smartphones or watches.
Initially released in 2022 for Android devices, Google Wallet was reintroduced after being removed in 2018 when it merged with the Android Pay service. However, the company has now specified that the service will require devices to have Android version 9 or later for functionality. Similarly, smartwatches must have Wear OS version 2.x or higher to use Google Wallet.
Google has explained on its support page that the discontinuation of the service for older operating system versions is due to security reasons. Devices with outdated versions no longer receive security updates, which poses a risk in protecting user data and carrying out secure contactless transactions. To ensure continued support and security of the service, Google has mandated newer operating systems for compatibility.
Users are encouraged to check if their devices support Android 9 or later and update their operating systems if possible. It is also recommended to update Wear OS smartwatches to version 2 or higher to ensure compatibility with Google Wallet.
Google’s decision reflects its commitment to providing a secure and reliable digital wallet experience for its users. With the increasing prevalence of online payments and contactless transactions, ensuring that user data is protected is crucial for maintaining trust in digital wallet services like Google Wallet.
