Apple Pay launches in India with support for eligible Axis Bank cards. Learn how it works, supported devices, security features, and payment options.
Apple Pay is now available in India, marking an important expansion of Apple’s digital payment services. The company announced the launch on September 30, 2026, allowing eligible users to make contactless payments using supported iPhones and Apple Watches, as well as purchases in apps and on websites.
In India, there is an existing system of digital payment, where consumers use UPI, banking apps, card, and digital wallet services. Apple has come in with yet another way, especially for those people who would like to use their cards for payment from their current devices.
The availability does not always mean that every bank card and Apple device will be able to use this. It will be easier for consumers to understand what they require initially.
What Is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is a digital payment service that allows users to make purchases using eligible payment cards stored in Apple Wallet.
Instead of physically presenting a card or repeatedly typing payment details online, users can authorize supported transactions through their Apple devices.
For instance, a person purchasing something from a shop that has a suitable contactless reader can present their iPhone close to the reader and authorize the payment with the use of Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode.
It will go through the concerned card and payment network according to the conditions set by the bank.
What Did Apple Announce for India?
Apple confirmed that the service became available in India on September 30, 2026.
Initially, users with eligible credit cards from Axis Bank can use Visa and Mastercard cards from Axis Bank inside Apple Wallet.
According to Apple, the service will provide the ability to pay in stores, apps, and on the Web by means of compatible devices. It is planned that compatibility with Mac will be implemented later.
Thus, the initial rollout will be limited. Users of other banks cannot use the service at the moment.
How Do Contactless Payments Work?
Contactless payments use short-range communication technology to exchange payment information between a compatible device and payment terminal.
In case of supported Apple devices, customers are able to authorize the transaction and place the device close to the reader.
The payment procedure was created with the aim not to disclose the card number to the merchant.
For supported transactions, Apple uses tokenization, which involves replacement of card information by the payment token.
This helps reduce unnecessary exposure of sensitive card information.
What Is Payment Tokenization?
Tokenization replaces sensitive payment information with a substitute value that can be used within a defined payment system.
For instance, the merchant is not necessarily required to obtain the original card number to conduct the tokenized transaction.
The payment networks and the related infrastructure can leverage the token for conducting the transaction authorizations without exposing the card credentials.
Tokenization has been a significant advancement within the realm of digital banking since it allows for the separation between the transaction authorization and card number handling.
Our article on cybersecurity trends in 2026 explains why protecting sensitive information and strengthening digital identity controls remain important for online services.
Which Apple Devices Are Supported?
Apple’s India announcement identifies support for eligible iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
As per the company, the required iPhone must be an iPhone XR or newer along with iOS 18 or newer in order to be compatible with iPhone. An eligible Apple Watch can be any of Series 6 or newer with watchOS 11 or newer and paired with an eligible iPhone.
Some functions are dependent on the device and payment environment used.
In order to activate the service, customers need to verify the eligibility of their bank card through Apple.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Eligible users can add a supported card through Apple Wallet or the latest version of the relevant Axis Bank application.
In order to add a payment card to iPhone, users should go to Wallet and choose the ‘Add Payment Card’ feature. They are supposed to follow the guidance and perform all necessary verifications as required by the bank.
After the card has been successfully added to the phone, people can make contactless purchases via authentication on their device and approaching the point-of-sale terminal.
The way people pay for their purchases online will depend on whether the merchant supports Apple Pay.
Where Can Customers Use It?
Apple announced support across participating merchants and payment providers in India.
The materials used by the organization at launch point out some of the retailers and the services that include Apple Stores, Blinkit, Croma, and others who have agreed to be part of the program.
The availability of the service is not guaranteed since there can be variations depending on the store location, terminal setup, payment card type, and online checkout availability.
It is recommended that consumers check for the availability of such an option from the respective merchants instead of assuming that all do so.
How Is Apple Pay Different From UPI?
UPI is an Indian real-time payment system that enables supported transfers between bank accounts.
In this case, Apple Pay mainly serves to pay using eligible credit cards via Apple products.
Consequently, the two systems have the capacity to fulfill various requirements in terms of payments.
It is possible for the consumer to use UPI for an account transfer and Apple Pay for a transaction via an eligible card. The choice depends on merchant acceptance and individual preference.
Is Apple Pay Secure?
Apple says actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on its servers and are not shared with merchants during supported transactions.
On the other hand, what is done is that payment credential specific to the device is used, while sensitive data is secured using the Secure Element.
Authentication is also needed during the transactions.
But then again, users must be vigilant with securing their Apple Account, device passcode, and banking credentials despite having a secure payment system design.
What Happens If Your iPhone Is Lost?
Losing a phone can be stressful, particularly when it contains payment credentials.
Apple says users can use Find My to locate the device, lock it, or suspend payment functionality when necessary.
Users should also follow their bank’s instructions if they suspect unauthorized activity.
Keeping device security features enabled and maintaining access to account-recovery options can help reduce problems after a device is lost.
Conclusion
Apple Pay’s arrival in India adds another option to an already competitive digital payments market. For eligible cardholders, the service offers a convenient way to make supported purchases through Apple devices without repeatedly presenting physical card information.
Its initial limitations are important, particularly the restricted bank-card support and device requirements.
Consumers should compare convenience, merchant acceptance, card benefits, and security features before deciding how to pay. As support expands, the service could become a more familiar part of India’s broader digital commerce ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Apple Pay available in India?
Yes. Apple announced its India launch on September 30, 2026.
2. Which bank cards are supported?
At launch, eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported.
3. Does Apple Pay replace UPI?
No. Apple Pay and UPI use different payment arrangements and can coexist.
4. Can I use it on Apple Watch?
Yes, on supported Apple Watch models with the required software and pairing.
5. Is Apple Pay available on Mac in India?
Apple said Mac support would follow the initial launch.
