Google will launch a new API in May that will power in-store and in-app payments for third-party apps.
An Ars Technica source said on Wednesday that the tech company’s new payments API will allow companies to add a mobile payments option to their existing app, meaning that their users can make one tap payments within the app after uploading credit or debit card details. Android Pay will also allow companies to allow tap-to-pay transactions using Google’s Host Card Emulation and Android NFC chips.
Unlike the existing Google Wallet, the new service will be “built from the ground up” for developers, the report said. Google Wallet will continue to function as a separate entity but will be supported by Android Pay, so that users will be able to link their digital wallet to third-party apps if they like.
Google also announced the purchase of Softcard earlier this week, a mobile wallet formerly backed by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Google Wallet will now be automatically installed on Android phones from these carriers.
The Android Pay API will be launched at Google’s I/O conference in May.
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