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

170 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
170 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
170 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)
169 months ago
Turns out NFC isn't the 'next big thing' afterall lol...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Carlanga Avatar
170 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
170 months ago
Meh. Google's getting desperate. Just as Blackberry is with BBM going multi-platform.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event that it will be releasing iOS 27 sometime today – Monday, September 14. iOS 27 won't be the only release today,...
deep black iphone 18 pro

Apple Says iPhone 18 Pro Max Sold in U.S. Differs in One Way

Saturday September 12, 2026 3:27 pm PDT by
As noted by Nicolas Lellouche, who writes for the French tech website Numerama, Apple has updated its tech specs pages for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to clarify which models are equipped with its new C2 cellular modem and where. Apple now says the iPhone 18 Pro has a C2 modem worldwide, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the chip in every country except for the U.S. According...
iphone duo

IMAX Reacts to iPhone Duo's 1:1.4 Aspect Ratio Displays

Friday September 11, 2026 4:42 am PDT by
Production theater company IMAX has responded in a mixed way to Apple's embrace of a 1:1.4 aspect ratio on the iPhone Duo's inner and outer displays. The boxier ratio happens to be very close to the classic "full-frame" IMAX 1.43:1 aspect ratio, which comes from the geometry of the company's original 15-perforation/70mm film system. In response to an X post from someone wondering if we'll see...