Last updated: February 26, 2024 at 16:07 UTC+01:00
Samsung has announced that its popular Samsung Wallet app will continue to function on devices running Android 9.0 or older versions; however, these devices will not receive any future updates or new features for the app starting from March 15, 2024. For users utilizing Samsung Wallet on an older Galaxy phone with these versions of Android, the app will remain operational, but without any further enhancements or updates.
Samsung Wallet, which is a result of merging the previously separate Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass services, has been a key feature for Galaxy smartphone enthusiasts. Albeit, there has been a recent shift in support for users with older Galaxy phones.
No future updates for Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones with Android 9 or earlier
Notices have been issued in various countries, including Canada, informing users about the cessation of new updates for the Samsung Wallet app on Galaxy phones that run on Android 9.0 or earlier versions. As of March 15, 2024, these devices will no longer receive support for further updates to the app. A notification related to this change was shared via a tweet, indicating the global nature of the update notice, as users in other regions anticipate similar communications.
This update discontinuation particularly impacts those who own older models such as the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy Note 8, which are not compatible with Android 10, and the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 series, which have Android 10 as their last software platform. Although Samsung has made a recent update available for the Samsung Wallet app, suggesting users with eligible devices update to the latest version, it might be the final update available for those on Android 10 or later. Users of older phones can continue to use the app without new updates.
Considering that the affected smartphone models are around seven years old, the impact on the user base might be limited as many have likely moved on to newer devices. The Samsung Wallet app provides a convenient way for users to store and use credit/debit cards, loyalty and membership cards, and various digital documents such as bus, flight, and train tickets, gift cards, digital keys, and government IDs through MST or NFC contactless payment technologies.
