30 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Apple Pay has officially launched in India, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to Indian users for the first time.
At launch, the service supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, allowing eligible users to make contactless payments using compatible Apple devices.
Axis Bank Is the Initial Partner
Axis Bank is currently the first major Indian banking partner supporting Apple Pay.
Users with eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Wallet and use Apple Pay for supported transactions.
Available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
Apple Pay support is being introduced across compatible iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch devices.
The service enables users to make payments at participating stores and merchants, as well as within apps and on websites that support Apple Pay.
How Apple Pay Works
Apple Pay allows users to store eligible payment cards in the Apple Wallet.
At a supported contactless terminal, users can authenticate a payment using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, depending on their Apple device.
The payment system uses device-based security features rather than requiring users to hand over their physical card.
India’s UPI-Dominated Market
Apple Pay is entering a payments market dominated by UPI, India’s account-to-account digital payment infrastructure.
Unlike UPI, Apple Pay’s initial Indian offering is based on card payments and contactless NFC technology.
This means the service is initially targeting a different segment of India’s digital-payments ecosystem rather than directly replacing UPI.
Wider Bank Support Could Follow
Apple’s initial partnership with Axis Bank is expected to be followed by discussions with other major Indian banks.
Reports have indicated that HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have been in discussions regarding support for Apple Pay, although broader availability was not part of the initial rollout.
A Long-Awaited India Arrival
India had been one of the major markets where Apple Pay was previously unavailable.
The rollout follows years of discussions around payments infrastructure, regulatory requirements and commercial arrangements between Apple and Indian financial institutions.
The launch therefore represents an expansion of Apple’s financial-services ecosystem into one of the world’s largest digital-payments markets.
Contactless Payments at Supported Merchants
Users can use Apple Pay at participating merchants wherever compatible contactless payment infrastructure is available.
The service can also be used for supported online and in-app purchases, depending on merchant integration and card eligibility.
What Indian Users Need
To use Apple Pay at launch, users need a compatible Apple device and an eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card.
Users can add their supported card to Apple Wallet and complete the verification process before making payments.