Apple Pay Launches In India: What You Need To Know About Cards, Payments And More

Digital payments in India have expanded beyond Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with contactless card payments offering another way for consumers to pay at stores and online without repeatedly entering their payment details. Tech giant Apple has now made Apple Pay available in India across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon.

Which Cards And Devices Support Apple Pay In India?

At launch, users can add eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards to Apple Pay. The service is available across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, while support for Mac is coming soon. Apple said in its release that Apple Pay will be accepted by millions of merchants across India, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Croma, Ixigo, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.

Amitabh Chaudhry, managing director and CEO, Axis Bank, said, “The introduction of Apple Pay advances this ambition, bringing greater choice and flexibility to our credit card customers, with support across the Mastercard and Visa networks.”

He added that as payments become increasingly embedded in customers’ everyday digital lives, their focus will be on bringing together innovation and trust, while making every interaction more intuitive and relevant.

Apple Pay can also be used at merchants that accept near field communication (NFC) contactless payments. The service is available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.

How Does Apple Pay Work For Store And Online Payments?

For in-store payments, users can double-click the side button or Home button on their iPhone, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode when prompted, and hold the top of the iPhone near a contactless payment terminal. Apple Watch users can similarly hold the display near the contactless reader to make a payment.

Apple said the service is designed to simplify both in-store and online card payments while maintaining security and privacy.

“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. Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private, from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

Apple said users do not need to type a PIN or OTP at checkout when paying through Apple Pay. For online payments, users can make purchases through supported apps and websites without repeatedly entering card details, contact information or shipping and billing information. Users will also continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by their eligible cards when using Apple Pay.

How To Set Up Apple Pay And Protect Your Card Details?

Users can add an eligible Axis Bank credit card through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Alternatively, they can open the Apple Wallet app, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to add the card. Apple said in its release that actual card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple servers and are not shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned to the card and securely stored in the device's Secure Element.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use the Find My app to locate, lock or suspend payments from the device.