Apple Pay launches in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s payment service to one of the world’s largest digital payment markets. The service is initially available through a partnership with Axis Bank and supports eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by the bank.
The launch allows eligible users to make contactless payments using supported Apple devices. However, Apple Pay does not support RuPay cards or UPI payments at launch.
 |
| Image Credit: Indian Express |
Apple Pay is Available in India through Axis Bank
Apple Pay is available in India, with Axis Bank being the first bank partner for Apple Pay in India. At the beginning, customers who have eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be able to add those cards to their Apple Wallet. Cards from other banks will not be supported.
The app works with iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices. Support for Mac computers will be introduced later. Payments can be made using the device at contactless retailers that accept this payment method as well as online via compatible apps and websites. The launch of Apple Pay in India follows 12 years since its introduction in America.
How Apple Pay Works in India
Using Apple Pay, users can add a suitable credit card to their Apple Wallet. When making contactless payments, users can authorize the payment by using Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcodes.
The system uses tokenized card details rather than sharing the actual card number with the merchant when carrying out transactions. This makes the transaction more secure as well as easy to carry out. The system can be used for online as well as app-based payments.
Also Read: Singapore Haze: Air Quality Unhealthy Across All Five Regions
RuPay and UPI Support Not Available Yet
One of the major limitations of the launch is that RuPay cards are not supported initially. The service currently focuses on eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Apple Pay has not integrated itself with the UPI payment system in India yet. This is a key issue since the UPI system is already popular for making payments online. As reported by Reuters, the UPI system makes up the majority of transactions made via the digital payment method in India, thus distinguishing India from many other countries in which Apple Pay is operational. Apple has reportedly been in discussions with other major Indian banks, but their cards were not part of the initial rollout.
What Apple Pay Launch Means for Indian Users
Apple Pay launches in India at a time when contactless and mobile payments are already widely used. For eligible Axis Bank cardholders, the service provides another way to make card payments directly through Apple devices without carrying the physical card.
While the launch is currently limited, Apple Pay has potential for greater adoption as more banks and card networks from India are included going forward. At present, customers with an eligible Visa or Mastercard credit card issued by Axis Bank can make payments via Apple Pay.
Conclusion
Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank as its first banking partner, giving eligible Visa and Mastercard credit card users access to Apple's contactless payment system. The service supports iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, while RuPay cards and UPI payments are not supported at launch.
The initial rollout is limited to selected cards, but the launch marks Apple's entry into India's large and rapidly evolving digital payments market.
References:
Author: Saurabh
Saurabh is a content writer intern at RA News Updates, based in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. He covers news, politics, and current affairs, focusing on delivering clear, accurate, and informative content. He holds an MA in Political Science from IGNOU and a BA in Political Science from PGDAV College, University of Delhi. He is also HubSpot-certified in SEO and content marketing.