Along with today’s launch of the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung also released a number of software updates that may not have garnered much attention during the presentation. In particular, two updates will be coming to Samsung Wallet that are not only very similar to the existing features on the iPhone, but also perhaps even better. The new features are called “Instant Installment,” which is the embodiment of the “buy now, pay later” principle, and peer-to-peer payments, which the company calls “Tap to Transfer.” The latter is essentially Apple’s Tap to Cash, which allows iPhone owners to hold their phones together to send money to each other. Importantly, however, Samsung‘s method will support work with third-party digital wallets.
In a recent media briefing, Samsung representatives stated that Tap to Transfer “will not be limited to Samsung Wallet”. Instead of being tied to specific digital wallets, it will be tied to a corresponding debit card or account and will work through Mastercard and Visa.
As for instant installments, Samsung is not looking to become a credit provider and take out loans. Instead, it facilitates your purchases and turns your payments into what a company spokesperson says is “the first offline payment experience.” It can be purchased in brick-and-mortar stores or online, using Visa or Mastercard credit cards. Samsung Wallet simply helps you manage your payment plan on your device.
Both of these features are not launching with the Galaxy S25, but Samsung said at the briefing that they will be available “shortly thereafter.” A company representative I spoke to at the event said it would be closer to the second quarter of this year, and that these features would be backwards compatible with previous models and work on older Galaxy phones as well. However, details are still scarce, and with the launch still months away, things could change. But if Samsung does indeed make it possible to transfer cash between friends with different devices and digital wallets, it could indeed be a better and more seamless approach than the Apple version that exists now.
