Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, bringing its contactless payment service to iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users. The service lets users make payments in stores, apps and on websites without repeatedly entering card details, PINs or OTPs at checkout. Support for Mac is also planned.
The India launch initially comes with support for Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Users can add an eligible card to Apple Wallet and use it at thousands of supported merchants across the country. Apple Pay can also be used anywhere compatible NFC payments are accepted.
For Apple users, this means payments can now be made directly through the company’s Wallet ecosystem instead of relying on a separate payment app for every card transaction.
Apple Pay Launches With Axis Bank Credit Cards
Say hello to Apple Pay in India! 🇮🇳
We’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to India today, and make it easier than ever for our customers to make safe and secure purchases on Apple devices. pic.twitter.com/UmniXVyRfS
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) September 30, 2026At launch, Apple Pay supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. More banks and cards could be added in the future, but Apple has not announced a broader Indian card rollout yet.
The service works with iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Mac support is coming soon. Apple says users can continue receiving the rewards and benefits offered by their eligible cards when paying through Apple Pay.
How To Set Up Apple Pay In India
Setting up Apple Pay is fairly straightforward. Users can add an eligible Axis Bank card directly through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Another option is to open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap the + button to add the card.
Apple’s standard setup process allows users to add a card by holding it near the iPhone or by entering the card details manually. The bank may ask for additional verification before approving the card. Once the card is verified and added to Apple Wallet, it can be used for supported payments.
How To Make Payments With Apple Pay
For an in-store payment, users can double-click the side button on a compatible iPhone and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode when required. The top of the iPhone can then be held near a contactless payment terminal. Apple Watch users can similarly use the device’s display near the NFC reader.
For online purchases and payments inside supported apps, Apple Pay provides a checkout option without requiring users to repeatedly enter their card number, billing information or other payment details.
Apple Pay Security And Privacy
Security is another major part of Apple’s payment system. The actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple’s servers and is not 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. Each transaction also uses a unique security code. This means merchants do not receive the user’s actual card number when an Apple Pay transaction is completed.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay In India?
Apple Pay is already supported by a large number of merchants at launch. Apple lists Apple Store, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, among others.
Apple has also worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to extend Apple Pay across their merchant networks. More apps and merchants are expected to support the service over time.
Apple says Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions, with over 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide.
Apple Pay And India’s Digital Payments Market
Apple Pay enters a market where UPI is already widely used for everyday digital payments. The initial Apple Pay rollout is focused on card-based payments through NFC rather than replacing India’s existing UPI payment ecosystem. Apple has also highlighted the service’s ability to make card payments more convenient across stores, apps and websites.
For Apple users with an eligible Axis Bank credit card, the biggest change is convenience. A physical card is no longer required for supported contactless transactions, while online payments can be completed without repeatedly entering card information.
Conclusion
Apple Pay has finally arrived in India, initially bringing Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit card support to iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users. The service offers contactless payments in stores and simplified checkout across supported apps and websites.
With Apple focusing on device-based security and a growing list of merchant and payment partners, the service could expand its reach as more banks and businesses join the platform. For now, however, Axis Bank’s eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards are required to use Apple Pay in India.
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