Throughout 2023, Google has been enhancing Google Wallet, introducing new features, and expanding support options. Recently, the Wallet app broadened its acceptance of government identification from additional US states over the past twelve months, allowing support for cards issued by more local authorities nationwide than before.

Additionally, Google has made flight and event boarding passes shareable within the Wallet app. The latest development includes the Wear OS version of the app, which now supports boarding passes. By having your boarding pass accessible through a Wear OS device while traveling, one conveniently avoids needing to remove their phone to display it.

Google Wallet's Year of Evolution

While the Google Wallet app for Wear OS aims to streamline access to various functionalities, introducing new features takes time to reflect on your Wear OS wearable due to the complexity of managing numerous apps. Despite the gradual rollout, these updates enhance the user experience by providing convenient access to essential features directly from Wear OS devices during travel and everyday use.

Now, users with Wear OS watches can effortlessly access boarding passes through the Google Wallet app on their wrists. Although some users noted this feature in December, it appears to be undergoing a broader rollout, with additional reports from Pixel Watch 2 users. This new Wallet feature is expected to be compatible with phones running Wear OS 3.5 and more recent versions, with users receiving notifications about its availability.

Once set up, the Wallet app will present notifications for upcoming flights, and users can tap the "View pass" button to display a QR code for boarding at the gate. This enhancement particularly benefits Wear OS smartwatch users, offering a more convenient way to board flights.

Beyond flights, Google Wallet supports various transit passes, such as Clipper cards in San Francisco and SmartTrip in Washington, DC, on your phone and Wear OS smartwatch.

Including boarding pass support on Google Wallet for Wear OS is a long-awaited enhancement, significantly expanding the capabilities of Google Wallet for Wear OS by incorporating more functionalities previously exclusive to smartphones.

Google aims to enhance support for open-loop transit systems in transportation, offering insights into daily or weekly spending and ride history. This feature was initially introduced in the UK.

Moreover, Google Wallet on smartphones and Wear OS now extends its support to include transit cards such as Clipper cards (BART) in San Francisco, SmarTrip in Washington, DC, and PRESTO for Toronto, Canada. Additionally, there are plans to include ORCA in Seattle and the Puget Sound Region, although it is currently announced and unavailable.

An Important Update for Google Wallet

In an update to Google Wallet on Android, payment notifications originate directly from the app instead of Google Play services. Version 23.46.x of Google Wallet introduces four notification channels: Transactions for post-purchase alerts, Updates & Alerts for payment method issues and flight updates, Offers & Rewards for incentives, and Tips for helpful information.

Google Play services send transaction notifications, including store details and card information. The change aims for a more end-to-end experience, mirroring the notification process already implemented on the Google Wallet app for Wear OS. The redesigned Wallet UI is gradually rolling out to Android devices, making it more compact.