Apple launched Apple Pay in India on September 30, allowing users to make contactless payments with an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.
At launch, the service supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, with support for more banks expected to follow.
How Apple Pay Works
Apple Pay lets users add eligible cards to the Wallet app and authenticate payments directly on their device, without entering an OTP or PIN at checkout.
Cards can also be added through the Axis Bank app.
For in-store payments, users can double-click the side or Home button, verify with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode, and hold the iPhone or Apple Watch near a contactless payment terminal.
Apple Pay can also be used on supported apps and websites, allowing users to avoid repeatedly entering card details. Existing card rewards and benefits continue to apply.
Compatible Devices and Merchants
Apple Pay is available on iPhone XR and later running iOS 18 or newer, and Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or newer.
At launch, participating merchants include Apple Store, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, with more expected.
What Indian Users Should Know
The India launch currently focuses on eligible credit cards, so users should check whether their Axis Bank card supports Apple Pay before trying to add it.
Apple Pay also does not replace UPI for bank-account-based payments; instead, it gives users another option for making payments through supported cards and contactless terminals.
Globally, Apple Pay works with more than 11,000 bank and network partners across 90+ countries.
In India, it adds another card-based digital payment option to a market where UPI is already widely used.
