Apple Pay could finally make its India debut as early as October, potentially giving iPhone and Apple Watch users another way to make digital payments in a market dominated by UPI.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is preparing to introduce its payment service in India, with the launch potentially taking place by October. The move would bring Apple’s payment platform to one of the world’s largest digital payments markets, where PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm already have a strong presence.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported the development in his Power On newsletter, writing that Apple is gearing up to launch Apple Pay in India, with the rollout described as imminent.
While Apple has yet to officially announce a launch date, reports suggest that its India plans are moving closer to becoming a reality.
Axis Bank Could Be Apple’s First Banking Partner in India
Apple Pay’s initial rollout in India could be more limited than a nationwide launch with multiple banking partners.
Reuters reported that Apple is likely to begin its India operations with Axis Bank credit cards. The company is also believed to be in discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, although commercial agreements with the two lenders have reportedly not been finalised.
Apple is expected to bring additional banks onto the platform gradually through individual agreements. This approach could allow the service to expand its reach as more banking partnerships are established.
If the reported plan goes ahead, Axis Bank cardholders could be among the first Indian users to access Apple Pay when it launches.
How Apple Pay Could Change Payments for iPhone Users
Apple Pay allows users to store tokenised card information on supported Apple devices and make contactless payments at compatible payment terminals.
Instead of opening a separate payment app, users can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to complete a transaction. Face ID or Touch ID can be used to authenticate payments, adding another layer of security to the process.
For Indian users, the service could offer a more integrated payment experience within Apple’s ecosystem. However, its usefulness will also depend on supported banks, compatible payment terminals and the payment methods available at launch.
UPI Support Could Be the Biggest Part of Apple’s India Plan
One of the more significant aspects of Apple’s reported India strategy is the possibility of UPI integration.
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple Pay could support India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), alongside traditional card payments.
UPI allows users to transfer money between bank accounts and pay merchants directly from their accounts. It has become central to India’s digital payments ecosystem, making its potential inclusion an important consideration for Apple’s entry into the market.
If Apple Pay launches with UPI support, it could offer Indian users a payment option that extends beyond credit and debit cards. However, the exact functionality planned for the Indian version of Apple Pay has not been officially confirmed.
Apple Pay’s India Launch Has Been in the Works for Months
Apple’s reported plans for India have been developing for some time.
In February, Bloomberg reported that Apple was in discussions with Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as part of its preparations for the market. The company was then reportedly targeting a launch around the middle of 2026, although the timeline remained fluid.
The latest October launch estimate suggests a potential shift in that schedule.
For now, Apple has not publicly confirmed the launch date, participating banks or the full list of payment features that will be available in India.
If the reported timeline holds, October could finally mark Apple’s entry into India’s digital payments market, giving iPhone and Apple Watch users a new way to pay without relying entirely on separate payment applications.
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