Google is implementing new security measures for its Wallet app, which requires users to have at least Android 9 on their phones and Wear OS 2.x on their smartwatches starting June 10th. This update will directly affect users still on Android Nougat (7.0 and 7.1) and Oreo (8.0 and 8.1).
The decision to increase the minimum operating system requirements is a reflection of Google’s commitment to ensuring secure features for its Wallet app. The previous minimum requirement was Android 7.0, but now users need to have Android 9 Pie to access the app. These changes are consistent with Google discontinuing support for older versions of Android, such as the end of support for Android 4.4 KitKat in August 2023.
According to Android Studio statistics, Android 9 Pie has achieved widespread adoption, with a cumulative distribution of 86.4% as of October 2023. Wear OS 2 was updated to version 9.0 Pie to meet the new security standards and allow users to continue making secure tap-to-pay transactions using the Wallet app.
In addition to these changes, Google is updating its support for Play services to focus on newer versions of Android, which will impact users who have not yet upgraded to the required operating systems
