Google Play Update: New Features for Android and Google Wallet

Contents

Month after month, Google releases updates via Play Services and the Play Store. These updates provide, for example, new functions for smartphones and other products in the Google ecosystem, such as tablets, watches, smart TVs, Android Auto, and Chromebooks, without requiring a full Android update from the device manufacturers. Google distributes the new functions itself to all devices with Play Services.

Google Wallet

In the April update, users will primarily notice the redesigned Google Wallet, which is rolling out with Play Services version v26.14 (2026-04-13). According to Google, the updated user interface allows for faster access, search, and “discovery,” explains Google.

Among other things, the Wallet app will feature a grid layout on the home screen. This is intended to make it easier to arrange favorites and reduce scrolling to access important cards or passes. Via the “View More” button at the bottom of the page, users can access additional cards and their purchase history, which can be searched.

Furthermore, Google states that new privacy settings will allow users to control how private passes in Wallet interact with other Google services, such as the autofill function, on a per-pass basis.

Set up devices faster and more

In addition to the innovations in Wallet, the new version of Play Services offers the ability to set up devices faster when transferring accounts and settings from an existing device. Incidentally, with iOS 26.3, switching between Android devices and iPhones has already become easier. This was done under pressure from the EU.

With Play Services version 26.13 from April 6, 2026, Google also improved the connection to Android Automotive: When logging into your Google account via a QR code, the name of the requesting device is displayed in the login confirmation.

In addition, with the Play Services version, the location sharing APIs are optimized and new location requests are introduced. The location history on the device also processes visits to stores more frequently, Google explains. On smartphones, PCs (Chromebooks), in cars, TV devices, and wearables with Wear OS, the system management services also receive an update intended to improve security and stability.

Google Play Store

According to Google, the Play Store update to version 51.0 (04/13/2026) brings the option to provide feedback on AI-generated summaries of user reviews. Furthermore, users will receive the ability to create a gamer profile via the “My Play” tab. It will also be possible to play some games in the aforementioned tab without requiring installation.

The new features should be available on Android devices in the coming days or weeks.

(afl)