New Delhi: Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in India, giving eligible iPhone and Apple Watch users a new option for making contactless payments.
The service went live in India on September 30, initially supporting eligible Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Users can add supported cards to Apple Wallet and use their devices to make payments at participating stores, apps and websites.
Apple said the service is initially available across thousands of merchants in India, with additional banks, merchants and apps expected to join the platform over time.
Axis Bank Becomes First Card Partner
At launch, customers holding eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Wallet and use them through Apple Pay.
Users can add their cards either through the latest version of the Axis Bank app or directly through the Wallet app on their iPhone.
To add a card through Apple Wallet, users need to open the app, tap the “+” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Apple said cardholders will continue to receive the applicable rewards and benefits associated with their eligible cards when making purchases through Apple Pay.
How to Pay Using Apple Pay
For in-store purchases, iPhone users can double-click the side button and authenticate the transaction using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode.
Once authenticated, users can hold the top of the iPhone near a contactless payment terminal to complete the transaction.
Apple Watch users can double-click the side button and hold the watch display close to a contactless reader.
Apple Pay can also be used for purchases within supported apps and on participating websites.
No PIN or OTP Required at Checkout
Apple says users do not need to enter a PIN or OTP at checkout when making payments through Apple Pay.
The service is designed to simplify online transactions by allowing users to avoid repeatedly entering card, contact and billing details on supported websites and apps.
According to Apple, actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple’s servers, and they are not shared with merchants.
Instead, Apple Pay uses a unique Device Account Number, which is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
Major Indian Merchants to Support Apple Pay
Apple Pay will initially be available across a number of Indian merchants and apps.
The launch partners listed by Apple include:
- Blinkit
- Chaayos
- Comet
- Croma
- Interflora
- Ixigo
- Le15 Patisserie
- Reliance brands
- Tata 1mg
- Zomato
- Apple Store locations
Apple has also partnered with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to enable Apple Pay across their merchant networks.
The company said additional merchants and apps are expected to be added in the future.
Which iPhones and Apple Watches Support Apple Pay?
Apple Pay requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later.
For Apple Watch users, the service requires an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later.
Users also need an eligible supported card from a participating bank.
Apple Pay Expands Its Global Reach
With its India launch, Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions, according to Apple.
The company said its payment service has more than 11,000 bank and network partners globally.
The India launch initially has a limited banking partner base, but Apple expects the availability of cards, merchants and apps to expand over time.
For Indian iPhone and Apple Watch users with eligible Axis Bank cards, the launch marks the introduction of Apple’s device-based contactless payment system to the country’s payments ecosystem.
