After years of anticipation, Apple Pay launches in India on September 30, 2026, bringing Apple’s contactless payment service to one of the world’s largest digital payment markets.
The initial rollout is limited, but the launch gives Apple users in India another way to make card payments using their devices. Apple Pay is currently available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, while Mac support is expected to arrive later.
But what exactly does Apple Pay offer Indian users, which cards are supported, and how is it different from UPI?
Which Cards Support Apple Pay in India?
Apple Pay’s initial India rollout is being introduced through Axis Bank.
Currently, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added to Apple Wallet and used with Apple Pay.
This also means that not every Indian bank card can be connected to Apple Pay yet. RuPay cards are not supported at launch, while support for additional banks and card issuers is expected to expand in the future.
For eligible customers, the supported card can be added to Apple Wallet and then used for participating transactions.
How Does Apple Pay Work in India?
Apple Pay is designed to make card payments possible through an Apple device instead of requiring users to physically use their card.
For an in-store purchase, users can authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID or their device passcode, depending on the device, and hold it near a compatible contactless payment terminal.
Apple Watch users can also make contactless payments directly from their watch.
The service can also be used for purchases through participating apps and websites. At launch, reported participating businesses include Apple Store, Blinkit, Croma, Ixigo, Tata 1mg and Zomato, among others.
However, acceptance can vary by merchant, so users should look for Apple Pay or compatible contactless payment support when making a purchase.
Which Devices Support Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is available across several devices in the Apple ecosystem.
Compatible iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches can use Apple Pay for supported transactions. Mac support is expected to be introduced later.
For iPhone users, compatible devices include the iPhone XR and later, provided they meet the required software requirements. Apple Watch support includes compatible newer models such as Series 6 and later.
This makes the service particularly convenient for people who already use multiple Apple devices and want their supported payment card available within the same ecosystem.
Is Apple Pay Safe?
Security and privacy are central to how Apple Pay works.
Apple says the actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple’s servers and isn’t shared with merchants during a transaction. Instead, Apple Pay uses a unique Device Account Number, which is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
Transactions are also authenticated using Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode, depending on the device.
If a device is lost or stolen, users can use Apple’s Find My service to locate or lock the device and suspend payments associated with it.
Apple Pay vs UPI: Is Apple Pay Replacing UPI?
No. Apple Pay and UPI work differently.
UPI enables users to transfer money directly between bank accounts, while Apple Pay uses supported credit or debit cards for payments.
Apple has described Apple Pay and UPI as complementary rather than direct replacements for each other. India’s digital payment ecosystem is already heavily driven by UPI, while Apple Pay adds another option for users who prefer making payments with eligible cards through their Apple devices.
This distinction is important because the launch doesn’t mean Apple is introducing another UPI app. Instead, it is bringing its existing card-based payment system to Indian users.
Apple Pay vs UPI: Is Apple Pay Replacing UPI?
The biggest development to watch will be the expansion of Apple Pay supported cards and banks in India.
Apple has said it intends to expand coverage through additional issuers over time. More merchants and apps are also expected to support Apple Pay as adoption grows.
For now, the service begins with Axis Bank’s Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Whether Apple Pay becomes widely used in India will depend partly on how quickly Apple expands bank support and merchant acceptance in a market where consumers already have established digital payment habits.
For Apple users with an eligible Axis Bank card, however, Apple Pay is now officially an option in India.
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FAQs
Yes. Apple Pay launched in India on September 30, 2026. It is currently available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon.
At launch, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported. RuPay cards are not currently supported.
Apple Pay does not function as a UPI payment app. It uses eligible payment cards, while UPI facilitates bank-account-based payments.
Add an eligible card to Apple Wallet, authenticate the card setup, and then use Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to authorize payments at compatible contactless terminals or supported apps and websites.
Apple does not charge users a separate fee for using Apple Pay. However, the normal terms, conditions and charges associated with the linked bank card continue to apply.
