Apple Pay officially launched in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to one of the world’s largest digital payments markets.
The launch is supported by Axis Bank, allowing eligible customers to use their Visa and Mastercard credit cards for payments through compatible Apple devices. The service supports in-store purchases, payments in apps, and online transactions without requiring users to repeatedly enter their card details.
The introduction of Apple Pay gives eligible Indian customers another option for making digital payments using their Apple devices.
Apple Pay Is Now Available in India
Apple announced the launch of Apple Pay in India on September 30, 2026. According to its official announcement, the service is available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon.
Customers with eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay and use them at participating stores, in supported apps, and on websites that accept Apple Pay.
The service also supports contactless payments at merchants that accept NFC transactions.
Apple stated that Apple Pay is available in more than 90 countries and regions worldwide and works with over 11,000 bank and network partners.
Supported Devices and System Requirements
Apple Pay supports several Apple devices in India, subject to specific hardware and software requirements.
According to Apple’s published requirements, users need an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later.
Apple Watch users need an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later.
At launch, Apple Pay also supports eligible payments through iPad apps and websites. Mac support is expected to follow.
Users can add eligible cards directly through the latest version of the Axis Bank app or through the Apple Wallet app on their iPhone.
Once a card has been added successfully, users can begin making eligible payments using their compatible devices.
Axis Bank Partnership and Supported Cards
Axis Bank is Apple’s initial banking partner for the Indian launch.
According to Channel NewsAsia’s report, Axis Bank is the first Indian bank to offer Apple Pay. The service initially supports the bank’s Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Cards issued on India’s domestic RuPay network are not eligible at launch.
CNA reported that Axis Bank had 16.3 million outstanding credit cards as of August 2026, compared with 124 million outstanding credit cards nationwide, based on central bank data.
The initial partnership establishes the card eligibility requirements for customers interested in using Apple Pay in India.
How Apple Pay Handles Payments and Security
Apple Pay is designed to simplify checkout while using device-based authentication and payment tokenisation.
When making a payment in a store, users can double-click the side button or Home button on a supported iPhone, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode if prompted, and hold the device near a contactless payment terminal.
For online purchases and supported apps, Apple Pay allows customers to complete transactions without repeatedly entering their card and billing information.
Apple’s security documentation explains that actual card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple servers and are not shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
Apple also states that it does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to individual users.
If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use Apple’s Find My app to locate, lock, or suspend payments from the device.
Participating Merchants and Payment Providers
Apple Pay is accepted at millions of merchant locations across India at launch.
According to Apple, participating businesses include Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato.
Apple has also worked with payment service providers to support merchant acceptance. These providers include BillDesk, Cashfree, Juspay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, and Razorpay.
Apple says additional merchants and apps are expected to support Apple Pay over time.
Apple’s Entry Into India’s Digital Payments Market
India has an established digital payments ecosystem, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) playing a major role in everyday transactions.
According to Channel NewsAsia, citing a 2025 International Monetary Fund report, UPI accounts for 84% of India’s digital payment volumes and is the world’s largest retail fast-payment system by transaction volume.
Apple Pay introduces a card-based payment option that uses Apple’s device ecosystem and supports contactless transactions.
Its initial availability is limited to eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. The service’s future reach in India will depend on participating banks, supported cards, and merchant acceptance.
For now, the launch gives eligible Apple device users another way to make in-store, in-app, and online payments.
