Samsung borrows from the playboy Apple Wallet with layaway and tap to send for Wallet

Along with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series todaySamsung also made a slew of software updates that may not have garnered much attention during the keynote. Specifically, there are two updates coming to Samsung Wallet that not only sound very similar to existing iPhone features, but may be better. The new features are called “Instant Pay,” which is the company’s take on “buy now, pay later,” as well as peer-to-peer payments, which are called “Tap to Transfer.” The latter is essential Apple’s Tap to Cashwhich allows iPhone owners to hold their phones together to send money to each other. Most importantly, however, Samsung’s method will support third-party digital wallets.

At a recent briefing with members of the media, Samsung representatives said that Tap to Transfer “will not be limited to Samsung Wallet.” Rather than being tied to specific digital wallets, it will be linked to the linked debit card or account and works through Mastercard and Visa.

As for Instant Installment, it’s not like Samsung is moving into lending and borrowing. Instead, it simplifies your purchases and turns your payments into what a company representative says is “the first experience with an offline payment plan.” Available in physical stores or online with Visa or Mastercard credit cards. Samsung Wallet simply helps you manage your device’s payment plan.

Both functions do not start with Galaxy S25but Samsung said at the briefing that they will be available “soon after.” A spokesperson I spoke to at the event indicated that it will be closer to the second quarter of the year and that the features will be backwards compatible and work on older Galaxy phones as well. Details are scarce, however, and with launch seemingly months away, things could change. But if Samsung really makes it possible to tap to transfer money between friends with different devices and digital wallets, it could really be a better, more seamless approach than Apple’s version right now.