Samsung borrows from Apple Wallet’s playbook with its wait-and-tap feature to send to Wallet

In conjunction with the launch Galaxy S25 series todaySamsung also made a slew of software updates that may not have received much attention during the keynote. Specifically, there are two updates coming to Samsung Wallet that not only look very similar to the features on iPhones, but may also be better. The new features are called “Instant Installment,” the company’s “buy now, pay later” principle, as well as peer-to-peer payment, which it calls “click to transfer.” Basically the latter Apple tap on cashwhich allows iPhone owners to link their phones together to send money to each other. But it is crucial that Samsung’s method supports working with third-party digital wallets.

In a recent press conference with the media, Samsung representatives said that the Tap to Transfer feature “will not be limited to Samsung Wallet only.” Instead of being linked to specific digital wallets, it will be linked to the associated debit card or account, and works via Mastercard and Visa.

As for instant installments, this does not mean that Samsung is moving towards becoming a credit provider and obtaining loans. Instead, it streamlines your purchases and converts your payments into what a company rep described as the “first offline payment plan experience.” It is available in physical stores or online, using Visa or Mastercard credit cards. Samsung Wallet only helps you manage the payment plan on your device.

These two features are not turned on with Galaxy S25But Samsung said at the press conference that it will be available “shortly thereafter.” The spokesperson I spoke with at the event noted that it will be closer to the second quarter of the year, and that the features will be backward compatible and work on older Galaxy phones as well. However, details are scarce, and with what appears to be months before launch, things could change. But if Samsung makes it possible to tap to transfer cash between friends with different devices and digital wallets, this could really be a better, more seamless approach than Apple’s version at the moment.