Apple Pay in India: 10 Things to Know

Apple Pay Arrives in India Apple Pay officially launched in India on September 30, bringing Apple’s tap-to-pay service to iPhone and Apple Watch users. The service currently has limited availability, with Axis Bank cards being the only supported cards at launch.

Setting Up is Simple Users can add a supported card through the Wallet app by scanning the card or entering its details manually. Authentication is completed through the bank, including an OTP during the initial setup.

Tap, Authenticate and Pay At NFC-enabled payment terminals, users can double-click the side button and tap their iPhone or Apple Watch. Face ID or the Watchâs biometric authentication replaces the need to enter a PIN or OTP for each payment.

Security is a Key Focus Apple says actual card numbers are not shared with merchants when a transaction takes place. A unique device ID acts as a virtual version of the card number, while payment information is protected using encryption.

Online Shopping Gets Apple Pay Apple Pay can also be used for online purchases when websites and apps add support for the service. At launch, selected platforms including Zomato, Blinkit, Nykaa and Zepto supported Apple Pay payments.

More Than One Card Users can store multiple compatible cards in Apple Pay and choose which one they want to use as the default. The service is designed to keep payment details protected rather than exposing the actual card number during transactions.

India Has a Strong UPI Ecosystem Apple Pay enters a market where UPI has already made digital payments quick and widely accessible. For many Indian users, the convenience gap between UPI and Apple Pay’s tap-to-pay system may be relatively small.

Bank Support is Still Limited Apple Pay currently works with eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Wider adoption could depend on Apple bringing more Indian banks and card networks onto the platform.

The Revenue-Sharing Question Apple’s reported revenue-sharing expectations could become an important factor in discussions with Indian banks. Banks already earn a portion from card transactions, making the commercial terms significant for future expansion.

What Comes Next for Apple Pay Apple may need to expand bank support and add compatibility with more India-specific payment options to grow locally. UPI integration could eventually make Apple Pay more relevant to Indian users, although Apple has not indicated an immediate plan for it.