Apple Pay arrives in India, Axis Bank named first partner

Apple, the maker of the iPhone, has launched its Apple Pay service in India, enabling users to make contactless payments using iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch; this marks the company's entry into one of the world's largest digital payment markets.

Initially, the service is available for Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, though Apple plans to add support for more banks over time, a company executive told a famous publication.

"India has a dynamic, digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future and expects the highest standards of security and privacy; we are thrilled to bring Apple Pay to users in India today," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

Users can add eligible cards to Apple Wallet and use them at thousands of physical and online merchants across India, as well as at NFC-enabled terminals worldwide. Support for Mac is expected to be added soon.

This launch comes at a time when digital payments have become deeply integrated into everyday transactions in India, with consumers increasingly using their smartphones and contactless payment options for retail purchases.

Bailey said that India's digital payment system has grown a lot because of NFC-enabled devices, faster e-commerce growth and more people using digital payments. Also, the Reserve Bank of India's rules, which allow authentication for card payments, helped make things better. Along with a lot of people wanting Apple products and working with Axis Bank, Visa and Mastercard, Apple decided that the right tools and system were already there to bring Apple Pay to India, the company told a famous publication.

Apple Pay lets people pay without typing a card PIN or an OTP when they check out. In shops people can press the side button or the Home button twice then use Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode to confirm. After that they just hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal that accepts contactless payments.

Security and Privacy

Apple emphasizes security and privacy as core parts of Apple Pay. The real card numbers are not kept on the device or on Apple’s servers. They are also not sent to the stores that take payments.

Apple Pay relies on a special device account number that is encrypted and kept safe in the device's Secure Element. Mastercard says its tokenization method adds security by swapping the actual card information with a unique token that is protected by encryption.

As payments become more part of people’s daily digital activities, our aim is to bring together new ideas and confidence so that every time someone uses the service it feels easier and safer said Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director and CEO of Axis Bank.

Apple Pay can be used for in-app and web purchases on iPhone and iPad. This means users do not have to keep entering their card details, billing information, shipping information or contact information every time they buy something. Support for Mac will be added in the future.

The arrival of Apple Pay drives our ambition to stay at the forefront of payment technology. It also gives choice and flexibility to our Visa credit card customers and to our Mastercard credit card customers " Chaudhry noted.

Apple Pay Launch in India

For Apple the launch in India expands the reach of a payment service that's already available in over 90 countries and regions. This service works with more than 11,000 partner banks and networks around the world.

Visa highlighted that this launch combines Apple’s user experience, with Visa’s payment network and tokenization capabilities.

The launch of Apple Pay in India marks a milestone in the evolution of digital payments in the country, said Suresh Sethi, Visas Regional Head, for India and South Asia. Apple stated that users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their cards when paying via Apple Pay.

Initially the service is being introduced to merchants in industries, like food and beverage travel, fashion and lifestyle. Over time more merchants and apps will be added to the platform.

Compatible devices

Apple Pay needs an iPhone XR or newer that is running iOS 18 or later. Apple Watch works with Series 6 or newer. It must be running watchOS 11 or later.