iPhone-maker Apple has launched its Apple Pay payments service in India, allowing users to make contactless payments through iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, marking the company's entry into one of the world's largest digital payments markets.
The service is initially available for Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with Apple planning to add support for more banks over time, an Apple executive told Moneycontrol.
“India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we're so excited 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 in-store and online merchants across India, as well as at NFC-enabled terminals globally. Support for Mac is expected to be added soon.
The launch comes as digital payments have become deeply embedded in everyday transactions in India, with consumers increasingly using smartphones and contactless payment options for retail purchases.
Bailey said India’s digital payments ecosystem has matured with the expansion of NFC-enabled terminals, rapid e-commerce growth and greater consumer adoption of digital payments, while RBI’s framework supporting biometric authentication for card transactions has also helped create the right conditions.
Coupled with strong demand for Apple products and partnerships with Axis Bank, Visa and Mastercard, Apple said the infrastructure and ecosystem were now in place to bring Apple Pay to India, she told Moneycontrol.
Apple Pay allows users to make payments without entering a card PIN or OTP at checkout.
In stores, users can double-click the side or Home button, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a contactless payment terminal.
Security and privacy Apple is positioning security and privacy as key features of Apple Pay. Actual card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple's servers and are not shared with merchants. Instead, Apple Pay uses a unique Device Account Number that is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element on the device.
Mastercard said its tokenisation technology further protects transactions by replacing card details with a unique, cryptographically secured token. “As payments become increasingly embedded in customers' everyday digital lives, our focus is on bringing together innovation and trust while making every interaction more intuitive and secure,” said Amitabh Chaudhry, managing director and CEO, Axis Bank. Apple Pay can also be used for purchases within apps and on the web on iPhone and iPad, allowing users to avoid repeatedly entering card, billing, shipping and contact information. Mac support will be added soon. “The introduction of Apple Pay advances our ambition of remaining at the forefront of payments technology and brings greater choice and flexibility to our Visa and Mastercard credit card customers,” Chaudhry said.
Apple Pay's India rollout For Apple, the India launch expands the footprint of a payments service that is already available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.
Visa said the launch combines Apple's consumer experience with its payment network and tokenisation capabilities. “The launch of Apple Pay in India marks an important milestone in the evolution of the country's digital payments journey,” said Suresh Sethi, Visa's group country manager of India and South Asia.
Apple said users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their eligible cards when paying through Apple Pay. The service is initially being rolled out across merchants in categories including food and beverage, travel, fashion and lifestyle, with more merchants and apps expected to be added over time.
Compatible devices Apple Pay requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. Apple Watch support starts with Series 6 and later running watchOS 11 or later.
– with Agencies inputs --
