Google at its I/O conference 2026 announced a number of new features not only for Android, but also for the Wallet app. Some features were already available before, but are now expanding to other countries. Others are brand new and will make it easier to pay for purchases or verify your identity. And these days, they are reaching users en masse, where they can significantly simplify their lives.
Google Wallet is one of the most popular payment tools in the world. However, if you use it to pay for online purchases, it can be more complicated than you might expect. Even Google developers are aware of this. That's why the technology giant has prepared a major update that makes online payments more efficient.
The most notable new feature is the launch of the Google Pay Direct Checkoutwhich the payment instrument directly connects with websites and e-shops merchants. What exactly does this mean? Essentially, it means that the payment methods stored in Google Wallet will be transferred to the payment pages of participating merchants. You will no longer need to switch between payment screens or manually enter your card details, and the system will download everything from your Wallet. So you can make your purchase literally with one click.
End of SMS verification
The second significant new feature that is now reaching users Google Wallets, Yippee change in payment verification. Updated feature Secure PayAuthentication (SPA) It reduces verification time by an average of 50% and it will no longer be necessary to manually copy codes from SMS or verify yourself on third-party websites.
The system is currently being rolled out, initially for users in Poland a United Kingdom. Over time, it is likely to expand to the rest of Europe, unless local legal systems or EU requirements prevent it. Google is not working on it alone, but has created it in collaboration with companies Visa, Checkout.com, Autopay and Adyen.
Age verification without sharing
The third innovation, which is now also reaching most European countries, is the possibility age verification or other personal data without the applicant obtaining other personal data. This is done using the so-called digital identity, which has been part of Google Wallet for some time, but so far only works in Brazil, India, Singapore and TaiwanUnfortunately, it will not be available in all European countries due to local legislation. However, Google has not yet published a list of supported countries.
Gallery
However, it will be ideal, especially for age verification. Regulators are demanding restrictions on access to social networks for children, even YouTube whether Discord They started asking users to verify their age. Google Wallet can help you avoid giving them unnecessary information.
According to the headline, we will use the news every day. Only then does the author of the article reveal that we will not use it right away.