With iOS 15, Apple started to implement Digital IDs in its Wallet app. The feature took a while to go live, needing multiple updates and also a lot of beta testing. For now, the feature is live in three states of the US and allows users to store digital IDs such as Driver Licenses in the app. Now, Google wants to do the same with the Google Wallet app. The search giant has been caught beta testing digital ID cards in the app. Apple’s feature is available in Maryland, Colorado, and Arizona. Google is beta-testing the feature in Maryland, clearly following Apple’s footsteps.
The report comes straight from The Verge thanks to screenshots from a tipster. The images show the process required to add a new ID card to the Google Wallet. First, it’s necessary to scan the front of the ID, then scan the back. After that, users will make a short video of their faces. After all these steps are fulfilled, they will submit the documents for approval. The tipster was able to add the ID card using the most recent update of the Google Play Services beta.
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More devices will get support for State IDs on Google Wallet
Worth noting that this feature has been reportedly available for some. As per old reports, newer Google Pixel phones currently offer support for State ID on Google Wallet. Curiously, this is also present in the Samsung Galaxy S20. With the new beta testing, Google may be planning a wider rollout for that feature. We have to agree that limiting it to a few specific devices does not make much sense. Obviously, this is a feature that needs to be paired with local regulators. So, the initial rollout will likely cover a few areas in the US.
Google is paving the way for Digital IDs on the Google Wallet. The company will add support for it in a future Google Play Services update. Thanks to the update of Google Play Services, the company can roll out important features without needing users to update their Android versions all the time. The update of Google Play Services can bring the feature to devices running old Android 8.0.
Besides Apple and Google, Samsung is also planning its entrance into the “market of Wallets”. We are curious to see what the company’s take on the feature will be.
