Apple Pay has officially launched in India. On September 30, 2026, Apple rolled out its contactless payment service in the country in partnership with Axis Bank, as reported by The Star and exchange4media. For now, it works only with Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. Here is what iPhone users need to know.
Who Can Use Apple Pay In India Right Now?
- Bank: Only Axis Bank is on board at launch.
- Cards: Axis Bank credit cards on Visa and Mastercard. RuPay cards are not supported yet.
- Devices: According to The Star, Apple Pay works on iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad.
Axis Bank is the country’s fourth-largest credit card issuer, with 16.3 million cards outstanding as of August, as per the same report. India has around 124 million credit cards in total.
How Does It Work?
Eligible users can add their Axis Bank credit card to Apple Wallet, either from the Wallet app or the Axis Bank mobile app. Payments are approved using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, so users do not need to enter a card PIN or one-time password for contactless payments, according to The Star.
As reported by Gulf News and exchange4media, Apple Pay can be used for:
- Contactless payments at shops
- Online purchases
- Payments inside apps
Exchange4media added that Axis Bank cardholders can also use instalment plans and redeem rewards with Apple Pay.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said India has a dynamic and digitally savvy population and that Apple was excited to bring the service to users in the country, as per The Star.
What Is Missing
The biggest gap is UPI. Apple Pay does not support UPI payments at launch, according to Gulf News. That matters because UPI accounts for 84% of India’s digital payment volumes, as per a 2025 IMF report cited by The Star. For most Indians, scanning a QR code with a UPI app is still the default way to pay.
Other big banks are also missing for now. The Star reported that Apple has held talks with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank but has not reached commercial agreements with them yet. Debit cards and RuPay credit cards are also not part of the launch.
Why This Launch Matters
Apple Pay first launched in the US in 2014 and now operates in more than 90 markets, according to Gulf News. India was one of its most noticeable gaps, even as Apple’s presence in the country has grown. The launch gives Axis Bank credit card holders who use iPhones a new way to pay, and it could put pressure on other banks to join if users start asking for it.
For most young users, UPI apps will remain the main way to pay for now. But if more banks and RuPay cards are added, Apple Pay could become a real option for iPhone users in India.
FAQs
When did Apple Pay launch in India?
Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026.
Which bank supports Apple Pay in India?
Only Axis Bank, for its Visa and Mastercard credit cards, at launch.
Does Apple Pay support UPI in India?
No. UPI is not supported at launch.
