Apple is reportedly preparing to bring Apple Pay to India, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The move would bring Apple’s payment service to one of the world’s largest digital payments markets, where PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm already operate.
Other reports state that Apple could initially launch Apple Pay with Axis Bank credit cards. The company is also reportedly in discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, although the two banks have not yet reached commercial agreements with Apple. Apple could add more banks later through separate agreements.
Apple Pay allows users to store tokenised card information on supported Apple devices and make contactless payments without opening a separate payment app. Users can authenticate transactions with Face ID or Touch ID, while the service supports devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple could also support UPI alongside card payments in India, with Bloomberg reporting in February that the company had been discussing its India plans with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Mastercard and Visa.
Launch Timeline
Gurman reports that Apple is preparing to introduce Apple Pay in India as early as October. Apple has yet to confirm the launch date, participating banks or UPI support, while the reported rollout could begin with Axis Bank before expanding to other banking partners.