Google has finally launched its digital wallet, Google Wallet, in India. This comes almost two years after the app was relaunched as a digital wallet platform in the United States. However, it’s important to note that Google Wallet will not replace the existing Google Pay app in India. In fact, Google Pay will remain the company’s primary payments app in the country.
Ram Papatla, the general manager and India engineering lead for Android at Google, emphasized this point during a press conference in New Delhi. He stated, “Google Pay is not going anywhere. Google Pay is our primary payments use case. Wallet is specifically tailored for thinking about the non-payment use cases.”
So, what exactly can users expect from Google Wallet? Android users in India will now be able to store and access their boarding passes, gift cards, event tickets, and loyalty passes through the app. This can be done by scanning a QR code, barcode, or link shared via Gmail. Additionally, partner apps will have a dedicated “Add to Google Wallet” button available for easy integration.
Furthermore, Google Wallet will also allow users to store transit tickets and create passes from any images containing a barcode or QR code. This means that airline boarding passes, luggage tags, and parking receipts can all be conveniently stored within the app.
To kickstart its launch in India, Google Wallet has already partnered with 20 brands, including PVR Inox, Flipkart, Air India, MakeMyTrip, Pine Labs, and Ixigo. The app has also collaborated with local transport operators such as Kochi Metro, Hyderabad Metro, VRL Travels, and Abhibus. Additionally, Google has joined forces with system integrators Wavelynx and Alert Enterprise to enable users to store and access corporate badges through the app.
The decision to bring Google Wallet to India makes perfect sense considering Android’s dominance in the country’s smartphone market. According to Counterpoint research, Android holds a staggering 93% market share in India. In 2023, out of the 152 million smartphones shipped in the country, 140 million were Android devices. Furthermore, the smartphone penetration rate for the year rose to 70%, up from 66% in 2021.
However, Google Wallet will face competition from other digital wallet and payments apps in India. Samsung Wallet, offered by the South Korean company, provides users with a one-stop solution. Apple also has its Wallet app for iPhone users in India, although it lacks many local integrations. Additionally, WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, allows users to obtain virtual boarding passes and transit tickets from platforms like MakeMyTrip and state metro train operators.
In conclusion, Google’s launch of Wallet in India presents Android users with a convenient way to store and access various digital assets. The app’s integration with numerous brands, transport operators, and system integrators ensures a seamless experience for Indian users. While competition exists in the form of Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet, and WhatsApp, Google Wallet’s local integrations and strong market presence give it a competitive edge.