Apple has launched its Apple Pay payment service in India, allowing customers to make payments using compatible Apple devices. The service initially supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank.
The launch marks Apple Pay’s entry into India after years of preparations for the market. Customers with eligible Axis Bank credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay and use the service for payments at supported merchants and payment terminals across the country.
Apple Pay is available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, while support for Mac is coming soon. The service allows customers to make payments in stores, in apps and on the web without having to enter a PIN or OTP at checkout. Apple said the service will be accepted by millions of merchants across India.
At launch, Apple Pay supports Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Other major card issuers, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card, are not currently live on the service. India’s domestic RuPay network is also not supported in the initial rollout.
Apple has worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to enable Apple Pay acceptance across merchant networks in India. Merchants supporting the service include Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, among others.
“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.
“Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information,” Bailey added.
Axis Bank is the first Indian banking partner for Apple Pay. Customers can continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by their existing cards when using them through Apple Pay.
Apple Pay uses NFC technology for contactless payments at supported payment terminals. The service is card-based, meaning transactions are charged to the customer’s eligible Axis Bank credit card rather than being made directly from a bank account through UPI.
Apple said the actual card number is not stored on Apple servers or shared with merchants. Instead, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number for transactions, while payment authentication can be completed through Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide. Its India launch adds the country to Apple’s global payments network while the company continues to work toward expanding support among banks and merchants.
