Google Wallet Replaces 17 Apps for IDs and Passes as Gmail Auto-Imports Travel Cards
Updated
Updated · Android Police · Jul 7
Google Wallet Replaces 17 Apps for IDs and Passes as Gmail Auto-Imports Travel Cards
2 articles · Updated · Android Police · Jul 7
Summary
17 utility apps were dropped after Google Wallet became the author's main hub for boarding passes, loyalty cards, membership IDs and tap-to-pay transactions.
2022's Wallet reboot expanded the app beyond payments, with Gmail integration now auto-importing tickets and passes, syncing them across devices and surfacing them quickly from the lock screen.
About 10 airline and travel companion apps became unnecessary because Wallet can store passes from multiple carriers, boost screen brightness for barcode scans and reduce paper or screenshot juggling.
Another half-dozen retail and membership apps were sidelined as merchants including Starbucks, IKEA, Best Buy, Uniqlo and others support Wallet-based loyalty and ID storage.
Google is still widening digital ID coverage, with some local government cards rolling out while broader support for driver's licenses, passports and insurance cards remains stronger in the US and Europe.