Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce its digital payment service, Apple Pay, to India. It would take place nearly 12 years after the service first launched globally. The company aims to start the service by late 2026, but it still needs approval from Indian regulators and banks before going live.
Apple Pay’s India Entry Plan
Apple Pay is a digital wallet and contactless payment system. It allows users make payments using Apple devices like iPhones and Apple Watches without cash or cards. The feature has been available in many countries for years, but not yet as a full service in India.
According to recent reports, Apple is in talks with Indian banks, payment card networks such as Visa and Mastercard and government regulators. These discussions are part of the steps to launch Apple Pay in India by the end of 2026.
How Apple Pay Works And What To Expect
Apple Pay allows users to make quick payments using their iPhone or Apple Watch without needing cash or cards.
Tap-to-Pay Feature:
Once launched, customers will be able to save their cards in Apple Wallet and make tap-to-pay transactions using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology at shops and outlets.
No UPI Integration At First:
India’s digital payments are dominated by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which lets people pay using mobile apps instantly. Apple Pay may not support UPI in the first version of its India service. Experts say Apple will focus on card-based payments first, with possible future integration later.
Step-By-Step Launch:
Apple Pay will come in phases. The first phase will focus on card payments at point-of-sale machines. A broader integration with other systems might happen later, once regulatory approvals are complete.
Apple Pay’s long-awaited India launch appears closer than ever. If Apple receives the needed permissions and completes negotiations with banks and card networks, the service could begin by late 2026.
