Google is looking to make your journeys that little bit simpler, thanks to a new update that adds support for one of Android 16’s best features to Google Wallet.
Google has revealed the new features coming as part of the Google Play Services v25.41 update, including several quality-of-life Android updates. One is that Google Wallet can use Android 16’s Live Update feature for “key travel journeys that include flights, train trips, and events.”
While Google doesn’t specify what this will look like, we can make an educated guess. Currently, Live Updates is a new form of notification that allows users to see progress-based updates on their devices. For instance, you can see the distance a delivery driver is from you or the remaining journey time on your ride share.
In the case of Google Wallet, I’d expect the Live Update bar to feature information like the remaining journey time on your flight or air trip. One unknown is what it will mean for venues and events, but it could show how much time is left before the event ends.
Google is working to improve it’s features
Live Updates was first announced as part of the 2025 Google I/O event, but only a few apps support it. However, Google is working to increase its scope, with recent news indicating it is testing Google Maps support. This would be a major boon to the feature, helping it compete with Apple’s Live Activities.
Meanwhile, Google has also been working to improve Google Wallet to help it compete with both Apple Wallet and Samsung Wallet. These updates include a new look, courtesy of Google’s Material 3 Expressive design, alongside new features.
One such addition is the “everything else” feature, which recently started to roll out to users after its announcement earlier this year. The addition removes the “Photo” option for non-ID documents. Instead, users can scan any pass, such as a concert ticket, insurance card, or library card. Users have also gained the ability to add nicknames to their cards, making it much easier to organize their wallet.
Hopefully, Google will announce more support for Live Updates in the coming months, plus offer less progress-focused additions. Let us know what you would like to see added to Live Updates in the future, or if this new addition will incentivize you to use Google Wallet for your travel plans.
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