Google Wallet adds Live Updates with Android 16
Google Wallet is evolving beyond digital payments. With Android 16, the app now supports Live Updates, a new feature that keeps users informed about key activities like flights, train rides, and event timings — directly from the lock screen.
What are Live Updates on Android 16?
Live Updates are Android’s version of Apple’s Live Activities. These are persistent, real-time notifications that appear at the top of your screen. They show ongoing information, such as travel progress, ride-sharing status, or delivery updates, without requiring you to open an app.
With this feature, users can now track things like a boarding time or event entry status at a glance. The goal is to simplify how information appears and stays accessible while you’re on the move.
Google Wallet now joins Android’s Live Updates ecosystem
According to the Google Play Services v25.41 changelog, Google Wallet now integrates Live Updates for travel and event-related passes. This includes flights, train trips, and event tickets saved within the app.
For instance, if your flight is delayed or a gate changes, Google Wallet will automatically update that information in real time. Similarly, travelers using digital train tickets or event passes can view live progress or status updates right on their phone’s lock screen.
This marks a significant step in making Google Wallet a central travel companion, not just a payment platform.
How the update enhances the user experience
The new integration allows users to stay informed without repeatedly opening multiple apps or checking emails. Live Updates bring convenience by displaying dynamic, ongoing information at a glance — ideal for frequent travelers or event-goers.
At launch, Android 16 supports progress-based Live Updates — activities that show clear movement or time-based progress. Examples include navigation, deliveries, and now, travel updates through Google Wallet.
It’s not yet confirmed whether Wallet will support future types of Live Updates, such as info chips, which could show static information like seat numbers or event entry times.
More Google apps may soon join in
Google Wallet isn’t the first app to adopt this feature. Earlier, Google Maps tested Live Updates for navigation, displaying trip progress directly on the home or lock screen. This wider adoption hints at Google’s plan to make Android’s Live Update framework a core part of the user experience across its ecosystem.
If successful, we may soon see other Google apps — like Calendar or Flights — supporting this notification system to keep users informed in real time.
What to expect next
While the rollout is part of Google Play Services v25.41, the feature may take time to reach all users. As more developers adopt Live Updates, Android’s notification system could become far more interactive and informative, reducing the need to switch between apps.
For users, this update turns Google Wallet into more than just a place for cards and passes — it becomes a live window into their daily plans.
