Highlights
- Apple will reportedly introduce Apple Pay in India by mid‑2026.
- Apple is working with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and global networks Visa and Mastercard with plans to integrate UPI support for instant payments.
- India’s updated guidelines now allow biometric authentication (Touch ID, Face ID) for digital transactions.
Apple to roll out Apple Pay in India this year. (Image credit – Apple)
It appears Indian Apple users might soon get access to Apple Pay in India after all. Apple is reportedly in advanced discussions with leading Indian banks as it gears up to launch Apple Pay in India by mid-2026, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Multiple media reports have stated that Apple is currently in talks with major financial institutions including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank to bring its digital payments platform to the Indian market.
This is not the first time we have received such reports. The current update aligns with a previous Business Standard report that suggested that Apple Pay was preparing for an India launch before the end of the year. That’s not all. Earlier coverage by The Times of India also highlighted Apple’s plans to introduce the service in the country.
In addition to partnering with local banks, Apple is said to be working closely with global payment networks Mastercard and Visa to finalise its rollout strategy.
Digital payments in India are currently dominated by the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Apple Pay is expected to integrate support for UPI. This would allow users to transfer money instantly and pay bills using the widely adopted system.
Apple Pay was first introduced more than a decade ago and is now available in 89 markets worldwide. A key regulatory change in India could also support its expansion. Late last year, the country’s central bank approved updated guidelines allowing biometric authentication methods such as Touch ID and Face ID for digital transactions. Previously, digital payments in India primarily relied on one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS.
The potential launch comes at a time of strong momentum for Apple in India. According to data from International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple recorded its highest-ever quarterly shipments in the country during Q3 2025, reaching 5 million units and securing fourth position in the Indian smartphone market for the first time.
FAQs
Q1. When is Apple Pay expected to launch in India?
Answer. Reports suggest Apple is in advanced talks with banks and aims to launch Apple Pay in India by mid‑2026.
Q2. Which banks and payment networks is Apple partnering with?
Answer. Apple is reportedly working with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and global networks Visa and Mastercard to finalise its rollout strategy.
Q3. Will Apple Pay support UPI in India?
Answer. Yes, Apple Pay is expected to integrate UPI support, enabling instant money transfers and bill payments through India’s widely adopted digital payments system.
Also Read –
https://www.mymobileindia.com/apple-pays-95-million-to-settle-siri-privacy-lawsuit/