Google recently announced that it plans to raise the minimum requirements, for its Google Wallet app on Android and Wear OS starting from June 10th. The goal is to boost the security of Google Wallet by ensuring that only devices with up to date operating systems of receiving security updates can access the app.
By June Google Wallet will mandate Android 9 or higher for smartphones. Wear OS 2.x or higher for smartwatches. Currently the minimum Android version listed for the app is Android 7.0 Nougat while Wear OS 2.0 was originally built on Android 8.0 Oreo. In a support document Google emphasized that “security updates are not available for Android versions below 9” underscoring security as the reason, behind these adjustments.
How Will This Affect Users?

The upcoming modifications will have an impact, on individuals who are still utilizing Android devices that operate on Android Nougat or Oreo. Recent data shows that 13% of Android devices have yet to switch to Android 9 Pie or a newer version. For these users Google Wallet will cease to work after June unless they update to a Android edition. The stricter criteria may also limit the number of Wear OS smartwatches that can access Google Wallet features.
Although the security focused adjustments might cause inconvenience for some users they are reasonable considering Googles commitment to safeguarding Google Wallet on platforms that regularly receive security updates. Given that financial transactions rely on Play Services ensuring security remains a priority. This decision is in line with Googles discontinuation of Play Services support, for Android 4.4 KitKat year.