Google Wallet Elevates Security with New OS Requirements
In a move to bolster security and pave the way for upcoming features, Google Wallet is revising its compatibility requirements. The digital wallet application will soon necessitate that users have at least Android 9 on their smartphones and Wear OS 2.0 on their smartwatches to function effectively. This strategic decision is primarily driven by the need to ensure that all users can receive the latest security updates and feature enhancements.
Recent amendments to the Google Wallet support page reveal that the application will now only support devices running Android 9 or higher. The rationale is clear: “To help keep Wallet features more secure, we must be able to send security updates to your device. Security updates aren’t available for Android versions below 9.0.” Similarly, for wearables, the app will now require the updated Wear OS 2.x. According to a report by 9to5Google, these updated requirements will come into effect starting June 10.
The support page sheds light on the underlying reasons for this update. It seems that without the ability to extend security updates to older Android and Wear OS versions, the Wallet app’s integrity could be compromised. It’s worth noting that since its launch in 2022, Google Wallet has progressively increased its minimum operating system requirements, starting from Android 5 and moving to Android 7 last year, with the latest jump to Android 9. This progression underscores Google’s commitment to maintaining a secure and feature-rich environment for its users.
Meanwhile, Google has expanded its Wallet app’s presence to India, debuting on May 8. The launch in India is unique as Google Wallet operates alongside Google Pay, rather than replacing it. This allows users to store a variety of items such as boarding passes, loyalty and gift cards, event passes, car keys, and transit tickets, all within one convenient app.
Google’s expansion in India is marked by partnerships with over 20 companies, including prominent names like PVR, Inox, Air India, Indigo, and Flipkart, among others. With plans to collaborate with even more companies in the near future, Google is setting the stage for a broader ecosystem where Google Wallet plays a central role in digital transactions and storage of important passes and tickets.
