Google Wallet: Pay predecessor returns as Google Pay successor

The Google Pay payment service becomes Google Wallet (again). At I/O 2022, the company surprisingly presented the return of Wallet, which, however, wants to be much more than just a mobile payment service. Rather, the feature set aligns with its Apple counterpart of the same name.

Google Wallet returns with new features

Of course, with the new Google Wallet, it will be possible to make mobile payments – just like you already know from Google Pay. However, not only data from debit or credit cards can be stored in the digital wallet.

In addition to cards, the Wallet will also contain all electronic IDs, driver’s licenses, digital tickets for events, flights or train journeys, vaccination certificates and much more. Similar to Apple, it will also be possible to store hotel keys or key systems for modern cars in Google Wallet.

The virtual wallet works smartly with other Google apps and, for example, enables direct route planning in combination with Google Maps when calling up public transport tickets.

Launch already imminent

Of course, the new Google Wallet resonates with a certain nostalgia, especially for long-time Android fans, after all, the first Wallet was redesigned in 2018 as Google Pay. And is now taking over from Pay. The Wallet should already be available in a few weeks in many countries around the world, including Germany.

Phone, keys … Google Wallet. Coming soon to Android, Google Wallet gives you fast, secure access to all your everyday essentials – including payment cards, boarding passes, vaccine cards, event tickets and soon even your driver’s license. #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/BJXKbykaSw

– Google (@Google) May 11, 2022

However, Google did not give a specific date yet. Some functions, such as storing mobile driver’s licenses or hotel keys, are to be added later this year. Google has also not yet revealed what the situation is with German documents, such as the e-Personalausweis.