Samsung is resurrecting its Wallet app, which will replace the currently functioning Samsung Pay and Pass apps, essentially merging their functionalities into one.
The new wallet app also integrates with SmartThings for smart home and digital car keys, as well as the Samsung Blockchain Wallet app that lets investors check the value of their cryptocurrency portfolios.
With Samsung Wallet, users will get a refined user interface with quick access to their payment cards, loyalty and membership cards. Logging into apps and services will also be easier, considering Samsung Pass takes care of passwords and stores them securely. The company also plans on supporting official IDs, including driver’s licences and student IDs, later this year.
Of course, these services are only available on select cards, apps, exchanges and types of identifications (depending on institutions and schools for student IDs). Digital home keys will also only support select smart door locks and markets. Samsung hasn’t exactly said what services would support its new Wallet app.
As for car keys, so far, Samsung Pass only supported the Genesis GV60. Now this support has been extended to the following car models.
- Hyundai Palisade models launched after May 2022
- Genesis G90 models launched after December 2021
- BMW 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 Series, X5, X5 M, X6, X6 M, X7, Z4, iX3, iX and i4 models manufactured after July 2020
Last but not least, users can store their boarding passes in the Wallet app, although the feature currently only works with select Korean Air flights.
The new update rolls out on June 16 for France, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US. German users are scheduled to get the update on June 17. There are, however, some requirements for the new Wallet to work properly. Users should have a Samsung Pay-enabled Galaxy phone running Android 9 or later.
Some features also require eSE-enabled devices, and some digital car keys require UWB short-range connectivity meaning your phone’s hardware will play a big part in deciding what features you can use.
In the News: New CERT-In directives are doing more harm than good
