The market-moving news everyone has been anticipating might be closer than ever. According to a report from a major Korean outlet, Samsung Pay could soon include a built-in crypto wallet. With millions of users worldwide, such an integration could push cryptocurrencies toward widespread adoption. But how likely is this to happen, and what impact might it have on the industry? Below are some perspectives.
The Rumor Originates with The Korea Herald
Is this a credible source? The Korea Herald is one of South Korea’s most established mainstream news organizations, founded in 1953 with an online presence since 1995. Given its reputation and local presence, it likely has access to reliable sources within Samsung, which is also headquartered in Seoul. According to the outlet’s report, the new cryptocurrency feature could debut on Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S10, the company’s tenth-anniversary model.
“Samsung Electronics appears to be expanding its mobile payment strategy to include blockchain technology as it reportedly is planning to launch a cryptocurrency wallet system on the 10th-anniversary phones of Galaxy S, according to industry sources Tuesday.”
The alleged leak has spread across social networks, generating buzz within crypto communities. The Korea Herald quoted an industry insider who suggested this move could help popularize cryptocurrencies across Korea.
Leaked Images Suggest a Samsung Crypto Wallet
According to coverage from tech outlets, leaked images first shared on Twitter reveal a feature labeled “Samsung Blockchain KeyStore.” The screenshots describe the feature as a secure and convenient place to store cryptocurrency. From the images, the wallet appears to support Ethereum natively at launch, while Bitcoin support may not be included initially.
Samsung Blockchain KeyStore.
A native Ethereum crypto wallet for now. pic.twitter.com/2ZtkHJaWZh— Julien Bouteloup (@bneiluj) 24 January 2019
This is not the first time a smartphone maker has built a native crypto wallet into a device. In October 2017, HTC released the Exodus 1, a phone designed specifically for cryptocurrency users—though it targeted a niche audience rather than the mainstream market.
Could Samsung Pay Influence the Market?
Samsung Pay is one of the fastest-growing mobile payment platforms globally. Using NFC contactless technology, Samsung Pay lets users link payment methods directly to their devices for convenient and secure transactions. Research cited by industry outlets reported that Samsung Pay had more than 51 million active users as of June 2018, illustrating the scale of its reach.
The potential impact of integrating crypto into Samsung Pay depends largely on the regions where the feature is launched and any regulatory limitations that may apply. Security is unlikely to be a major concern: Samsung has published materials explaining why smartphones can offer strong security foundations for blockchain and cryptocurrencies, leveraging hardware-level protections and secure enclaves.
Industry observers suggest that a high-profile wallet inside Samsung Pay could give adoption a meaningful boost. Cryptocurrency markets have faced notable declines, with major coins losing value during prolonged bearish periods. While market sentiment and price movements are driven by many factors, broader access to secure, easy-to-use wallets could help restore user confidence and participation.
Whether Samsung Pay’s potential crypto wallet will trigger a significant market rebound is uncertain, but the move could remove friction for many users and accelerate mainstream engagement with digital assets.
Do you think integrating a crypto wallet into Samsung Pay could spark a meaningful recovery or wider adoption? Share your thoughts below.