Simultaneously with the launch Galaxy S25 series todaySamsung also released a slew of software updates that may not have received much attention during the keynote. Samsung Wallet in particular is getting two updates that are not only very similar to existing iPhone features, but could also be better. The new features are called “Instant Contribution,” which is the company's take on “buy now, pay later” and peer-to-peer payments called “Tap to Transfer.” The latter is mostly Apple Tap to Cashwhich allows iPhone owners to keep their phones together to send each other money. What's important, however, is that Samsung's method will support working with third-party digital wallets.
At a recent media briefing, Samsung said Tap to Transfer “will not be limited to just Samsung Wallet.” Instead of being tied to specific digital wallets, it will be tied to the corresponding debit card or account and will work through Mastercard and Visa.
Regarding instant installment, it is not that Samsung is going to become a credit provider and take out loans. Instead, it makes your shopping easier and turns your payments into what a company spokesperson says is the “first experience of an offline payment plan.” 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 functions do not start with Galaxy S25but Samsung said in a briefing that they would be available “shortly thereafter.” The rep I spoke with at the event said that this will happen closer to the second quarter of the year, and that these features will be backwards compatible and will work on older Galaxy phones as well. However, details are scarce and it appears that with the launch months away, things could change. But if Samsung does allow you to transfer cash between friends across different devices and digital wallets with just one tap, it could actually be a better and smoother approach than Apple's version right now.