Apple Pay has finally arrived in India, more than a decade after the contactless payment service first launched in the United States. Starting Wednesday, users can make payments with an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, with support for Mac expected to follow soon.
At launch, the service works only with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Eligible cardholders can add their cards to Apple Wallet and pay at thousands of stores, apps and websites across India, as well as anywhere that accepts NFC transactions globally.
No PINs or OTPs
Apple said users will not need to enter card details, PINs or one-time passwords at checkout. In stores, payments are authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, while online purchases can be completed without repeatedly entering payment information.
"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.
Axis Bank managing director and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry said the introduction of Apple Pay would give the bank's credit card customers greater choice and flexibility across the Mastercard and Visa networks.
Privacy pitch
Apple emphasised that the actual card number is never stored on the device or its servers, and is not shared with merchants during a transaction. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the device's Secure Element chip.
Apple also positioned the service as complementary to UPI rather than a competitor. "UPI is an important part of India's digital payments ecosystem, while Apple Pay gives customers a simple, secure and private way to pay with their eligible cards," Bailey said.
The service requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later paired with a compatible iPhone.
Sources:
- The Economic Times, "Apple Pay comes to India with Axis Bank Visa, Mastercard credit cards", read here
- Business Standard, "Apple Pay comes to India: Axis Bank credit card users can now tap to pay", read here
- The Times of India, "Apple Pay launches in India: Here's how to set it up and where you can use it", read here
At launch, the service works only with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Eligible cardholders can add their cards to Apple Wallet and pay at thousands of stores, apps and websites across India, as well as anywhere that accepts NFC transactions globally.
No PINs or OTPs
Apple said users will not need to enter card details, PINs or one-time passwords at checkout. In stores, payments are authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, while online purchases can be completed without repeatedly entering payment information.
"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.
Axis Bank managing director and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry said the introduction of Apple Pay would give the bank's credit card customers greater choice and flexibility across the Mastercard and Visa networks.
Privacy pitch
Apple emphasised that the actual card number is never stored on the device or its servers, and is not shared with merchants during a transaction. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the device's Secure Element chip.
Apple also positioned the service as complementary to UPI rather than a competitor. "UPI is an important part of India's digital payments ecosystem, while Apple Pay gives customers a simple, secure and private way to pay with their eligible cards," Bailey said.
The service requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later paired with a compatible iPhone.
Sources:
- The Economic Times, "Apple Pay comes to India with Axis Bank Visa, Mastercard credit cards", read here
- Business Standard, "Apple Pay comes to India: Axis Bank credit card users can now tap to pay", read here
- The Times of India, "Apple Pay launches in India: Here's how to set it up and where you can use it", read here
