Apple Pay has officially launched in India, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to the country for the first time after 12 years. The service is initially available to eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cardholders, who can add their cards to Apple Wallet and make contactless payments using an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The launch gives Apple users in India another way to pay with their existing bank cards, without needing to enter card details, PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs) at checkout. Apple says support for more banks and cards is expected to expand over time.
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How Apple Pay works in India
Customers with eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. They can also open the Wallet app on an iPhone, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to add an eligible card.
Once the card is added, users can make contactless payments at participating merchants by double-clicking the side button or Home button on their iPhone. They can then authenticate the transaction using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode, if required, and hold the iPhone near a contactless payment terminal.
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Apple Watch users can also make payments by bringing the device close to a compatible contactless reader. Apple Pay is available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch at launch, while support for Mac is expected to arrive soon. Users can also use Apple Pay for purchases in apps and on websites that support the service.
Where can Apple Pay be used in India?
Apple says Apple Pay is available across millions of merchant locations in India, including both physical stores and online platforms. The launch list includes Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, among others.
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Apple Pay security and privacy in India
Security and privacy are central to how Apple Pay handles card payments. Instead of storing the actual card number on the iPhone or Apple’s servers, Apple assigns the card a unique Device Account Number. This number is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to protect payment information on the device.
The actual card number is not shared with merchants during a transaction. Mastercard also said its tokenisation technology uses a unique, cryptographically secured token for Apple Pay transactions, helping prevent the user’s card details from being exposed to merchants.
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Apple says it does not retain transaction information that can be linked back to the user. Transaction details remain between the customer, merchant and bank or card issuer. If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use Apple’s Find My app to locate the device, lock it or suspend payments associated with it.
What happens to card rewards?
Using Apple Pay does not remove the benefits associated with an eligible card. Apple says customers will continue to earn the rewards and receive the benefits offered by their cards when they use them through Apple Pay. The service therefore works as a digital version of an eligible card rather than requiring users to switch to a separate payment account.
Apple Pay vs UPI in India
Apple Pay enters a market where UPI is already deeply integrated into everyday digital payments. However, the initial Apple Pay launch in India is focused on card-based payments. Apple says the service is currently available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
