Android 15 could well change the way you make payments with your smartphone, since a new API intends to facilitate the procedure by making it much faster.
If you’ve noticed Google Wallet requiring more frequent authentication for contactless payments lately, you’re not alone. Many users, especially in Europe, report that virtually every tap purchase now requires their phone to be unlocked, regardless of the transaction amount.
This change disrupts the traditionally seamless contactless payment flow for small purchases below certain spending limits, which previously did not require device unlocking in some countries. While new authentication requirements prioritize security, they come with additional constraints for users accustomed to quickly checking out.
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Android 15 could get you paid even faster
Google Wallet’s new support documentation update, spotted by 9to5Google, suggests the company could be preparing to implement mandatory authentication for all contactless payments globally. “ Credit and debit cards will not be charged for retail payments if you have not recently used a verification method ”, indicates the new policy.
While improving the security of contactless payments is certainly laudable, these changes have rightly upset users who had become accustomed to the convenience and speed of tap-to-pay for small transactions without authentication. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those looking to restore this seamless experience.
Indeed, Android 15’s Developer Preview 2, which was rolled out just a few days ago by Google, includes features designed to streamline the way devices make NFC connections with payment terminals. Newly introduced APIs will allow Android phones to “listen” to NFC payment terminals and preemptively authenticate before making a transaction. Google says this capability could enable secure contactless payments with just one tapwithout having to resort to new authentication for each payment.