Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, bringing its contactless payments service to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital payments markets. The rollout allows users to make payments through compatible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watch devices at thousands of merchants across the country.
The launch marks a significant expansion of Apple’s payments ecosystem in India, where smartphones, digital wallets and contactless card payments have become increasingly common in everyday transactions.
Credits: Jagran Josh
Apple Pay Initially Supports Axis Bank Cards
At launch, Apple Pay is available for eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Apple plans to bring additional banks and card issuers onto the platform over time.
Users can add eligible cards directly to Apple Wallet and use them at NFC-enabled payment terminals without having to physically present their cards. Apple Pay can also be used for purchases within supported apps and on the web through iPhone and iPad.
Apple Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet Jennifer Bailey said India’s digitally savvy population and growing preference for cashless payments had created the right environment for the service.
The company has partnered with payment service providers across India to expand Apple Pay’s reach through their merchant networks.
Tata, Reliance, Zomato And Blinkit Among Early Partners
Apple Pay will work at thousands of merchants that accept NFC-based contactless card payments. Its initial merchant network spans categories such as food and beverage, travel, fashion and lifestyle.
Early participating merchants include Tata and Reliance brands, Chaayos, Interflora, Le15, Comet, House of Masaba and Apple Stores.
Several popular apps will also support Apple Pay, including Blinkit, Ixigo, MakeMyTrip, Zepto and Zomato. Apple said additional merchants and applications are expected to join the network as the rollout expands.
The service is designed to make card payments quicker by eliminating the need to manually enter card details. In physical stores, users can double-click the side or Home button, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a contactless terminal.
Security And Privacy At The Centre Of Apple Pay
Apple is positioning security and privacy as major features of its payments service. Card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple’s servers and are not shared with merchants during transactions.
Instead, Apple Pay uses a unique Device Account Number that is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element. Mastercard’s tokenisation technology also replaces actual card information with a unique cryptographically secured token during transactions.
The setup means users can make payments without repeatedly entering their card number, billing information or other details.
Apple said customers will also continue receiving the rewards and benefits associated with their eligible cards when using Apple Pay.
The launch comes as India’s payment infrastructure has expanded rapidly, including the wider availability of NFC-enabled terminals. Apple said the growth of e-commerce, increasing adoption of digital payments and India’s regulatory framework around biometric authentication for card transactions helped create conditions for the launch.
Apple Pay Expands Its Global Footprint
With its India rollout, Apple Pay is now available across more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.
For Apple, India represents another major market for its payments ecosystem, while Visa and Mastercard gain another contactless payment option for their cardholders.
Apple Watch users can also make payments directly from compatible watches, while Mac support is expected to be added soon.
The service currently requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. Apple Watch support begins with Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later.
Credits: Inc42
Apple Pay Enters A Crowded Indian Payments Market
Apple Pay’s arrival gives iPhone users another option for contactless card payments in a market where digital transactions are already deeply embedded in everyday life.
The initial rollout is relatively limited, with support beginning with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. However, Apple’s plans to add more banks, merchants and applications could significantly expand the service’s reach.
With its focus on contactless payments, device-based authentication and tokenisation, Apple is bringing its established global payments platform into India’s rapidly evolving digital payments ecosystem.
Conclusion
Apple Pay’s India launch brings Apple’s contactless payment experience to a market where digital transactions are already part of everyday life. Starting with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards, the service has a limited initial footprint but a broad merchant network. As Apple adds more banks, apps and businesses, Apple Pay could become a more widely available option for iPhone and Apple Watch users making contactless payments across India.
