Google Wallet and Pay: Fresh Features Launching Ahead of I/O 2025
Google is actively working to improve its digital payment and pass management solutions, Google Wallet and Google Pay, by introducing a range of new updates and features that are currently being deployed — with additional announcements anticipated during the upcoming Google I/O 2025 event. From live train notifications to broader support for loyalty cards and child accounts, here’s everything you need to catch up on regarding the latest developments and what’s on the horizon.
Live Train Status Notifications Now Offered
A standout enhancement to Google Wallet is the launch of real-time train status notifications. This feature is presently available for users in India and Canada, specifically for Indian Railways and Via Rail travelers. When users store their train tickets in Google Wallet, they will now get real-time updates about their train’s status, including whether it is “On Time,” “Delayed,” or undergoing other modifications.
These notifications are sent directly to the user’s mobile device and include projected departure and arrival times. This integration is geared towards optimizing travel arrangements and minimizing the need to check various apps or websites for information.
This feature represents Google’s wider effort to transform Wallet into more than just a storage space for digital cards — it’s becoming a real-time travel assistant.
Loyalty and Gift Cards More Convenient to Add
Another significant enhancement is the option to add loyalty and gift card passes straight from the Google Wallet homepage on the web. This improvement is part of Google’s ongoing integration of its Loyalty Program platform, simplifying the process for users to enroll in and manage reward programs.
Previously, adding these cards often necessitated scanning a barcode or inputting details through the mobile app. Now, users can undertake this more conveniently from their desktop or laptop, streamlining the experience for both consumers and retailers.
Wallet for Children: Increasing Access for Families
To make digital wallets more family-oriented, Google has broadened Wallet access for kids with Android devices. Parents and guardians in select nations — including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland — can now authorize their children to add event tickets, generic passes, and other items to their Wallet accounts.
This feature was initially announced in March 2025 and is part of Google’s broader Family Link initiative, enabling parents to oversee their children’s digital encounters. It mirrors a growing trend to allow younger users to engage in digital ecosystems in a secure and managed fashion.
What Lies Ahead: Google I/O 2025 Promises More Wallet and Pay Features
Google has indicated that further updates are forthcoming for Wallet and Pay, with announcements anticipated during its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2025. The event is set to commence on May 20 at 10 a.m. PT, with Wallet and Pay updates expected to be elaborated upon between May 21 and May 22.
While Google has not disclosed specific details, the company hinted that users can look forward to “hearing all about the changes” coming to its digital payment platforms. Given the trajectory of recent updates, speculation includes enhanced support for public transportation systems in additional countries, deeper integration with Android functionalities, and potentially new security or authentication features.
Google I/O 2025 is also likely to spotlight:
– Android 16 along with its new Live Updates feature
– Developments in Android XR (Extended Reality)
– Wear OS 6 for smartwatches
– Improvements in accessibility, including Auracast support for hearing aids
– Possible previews for next-generation Pixel devices
Concluding Thoughts
Google Wallet and Pay are swiftly transforming into all-encompassing platforms for managing not just transactions, but also travel, loyalty schemes, and family digital access. With real-time train updates, simpler card management, and broadened child account functionalities already being rolled out, users can anticipate even more capabilities to be revealed at Google I/O 2025.
As digital wallets increasingly become an integral part of our everyday lives, Google’s latest enhancements establish Wallet and Pay as vital tools for convenience, connectivity, and oversight — with more innovations just on the horizon.
