Skip to Content

Google Drops NFC Requirement for Google Wallet, iOS App Now Available

by

Google today launched its Google Wallet payments app for iOS, allowing users to send money via email, store credit and debit cards, keep track of loyalty programs, and more.

Apple has steadfastly refused to adopt NFC and because it has fallen out of popularity, Google recently ceased requiring NFC technology in order to utilize the app on Android, shifting its focus from mobile payments to focus on loyalty cards, merchant offers, and discounts.

googlewallet
With the new format, an app was able to be created for iOS, but because iOS devices do not support NFC, Google Wallet does not include the tap-to-pay functionality of the Android app.

- Send money to any friend in the US with an email address.
- Easily add all of your loyalty cards, offers, and more to Google Wallet and redeem in stores.
- Your PIN keeps Google Wallet more secure, and if you lose your phone you can remotely disable the app at wallet.google.com/manage.
- The Google Wallet app uses your location to show you nearby offers and more. If you would like to turn this feature off, please go to your device’s Privacy settings and turn off Location Services.

Google Wallet can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

163 months ago
meh, they have enough of my data, my bank accounts won't be part of it...
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Plutonius Avatar
163 months ago
Meh. Google's getting desperate. Just as Blackberry is with BBM going multi-platform.

Google goes anywhere it can make a profit.

----------

why would i need to send money to other people via google wallet?

Send some to me to see how well it works :D.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fhall1 Avatar
163 months ago
So now Google not only knows what I'm searching for - they'll know exactly what I bought.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
163 months ago
Turns out NFC isn't the 'next big thing' afterall lol...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Carlanga Avatar
163 months ago
Exactly. I'd say a fingerprint sensor is a necessity though ;)

At least I will use touch-id more than NFC.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
phillytim Avatar
163 months ago
Meh. Google's getting desperate. Just as Blackberry is with BBM going multi-platform.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

MacBook Neo Feature Pastel 1

First MacBook Neo Benchmarks Are In: Here's How It Compares to the M1 MacBook Air

Thursday March 5, 2026 4:07 pm PST by
Benchmarks for the new MacBook Neo surfaced today, and unsurprisingly, CPU performance is almost identical to the iPhone 16 Pro. The MacBook Neo uses the same 6-core A18 Pro chip that was first introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro, but it has one fewer GPU core. The MacBook Neo earned a single-core score of 3461 and a multi-core score of 8668, along with a Metal score of 31286. Here's how the...
imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils Seven New Products

Friday March 6, 2026 11:48 am PST by
Apple this week unveiled seven products, including an iPhone 17e, an iPad Air with the M4 chip, updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, a new Studio Display, a higher-end Studio Display XDR, and an all-new MacBook Neo that starts at just $599. iPhone 17e features the same overall design as the iPhone 16e, but it gains Apple's A19 chip, MagSafe for magnetic wireless charging and magnetic...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Apple Planning 'MacBook Ultra' With Touchscreen and Higher Price

Sunday March 8, 2026 8:05 am PDT by
Apple is planning to launch an all-new "MacBook Ultra" model this year, featuring an OLED display, touchscreen, and a higher price point, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Gurman revealed the information in his latest "Power On" newsletter. While Apple has been widely expected to launch new M6-series MacBook Pro models with OLED displays, touchscreen functionality, and a new, thinner design...