After years of waiting, Apple Pay has finally arrived in India. The service officially launched on September 30,2026,giving iPhone and Apple Watch users another way to make contactless payments. Apple has entered the Indian payments space with Axis Bank as its first banking partner. For now, Apple Pay is available for eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Users can add their card to Apple Wallet and use their iPhone or Apple Watch to make payments at supported contactless payment terminals.

How Does Apply Pay Work?

Using Apple Pay is quite simple. Once an eligible card is added to Apple Wallet, users can pay by bringing their iPhone or Apple Watch close to a contactless payment machine. The payment can be approved using Face ID,Touch ID or the device passcode. This means users do not have to take out their physical card every time they want to make a payment. Apple is also focusing on privacy and security. The actual card number is not stored on the device or shared with merchants during the payment process. Instead, Apple uses a unique Device Account Number for transactions.

Apple Pay vs UPI in India

One of the biggest things to understand about the launch is that Apple Pay is not replacing UPI. India is heavily dependent on UPI for everyday digital payments. Apple Pay's initial launch is focused on card payments, while UPI support is not part of the current rollout. This makes the Indian launch different from how many people may have expected Apple Pay to work. For users who already prefer credit cards for shopping, however, Apple Pay can make contactless payments more convenient.

Which Cards Are Supported?

At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Other major banks, including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, have been reported as being in discussions around Apple Pay Support, but they were not part of the initial launch. RuPay cards are also not supported at launch.

Where Can You Use Apple Pay?

Apple Pay can be used at participating merchants that accept contactless card payments. It can also be used for payments in supported apps and online services. The service works across compatible Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple has also said Mac support is coming.

Why Is the Launch Important?

 Apple Pay has been available in several countries for years, but India was one of the major markets where the service had not officially arrived. The launch comes at a time when digital payments are already a major part of everyday life in India. UPI handles a huge share of the country's digital payment activity, so Apple Pay is entering a market that already has strong payment habits. For Apple users, the main attraction is convenience. Instead of carrying a physical card, users can simply use their iPhone or Apple Watch for supported contactless payments.

What Happens Next?

The initial launch is the only the beginning. More banks could join Apple Pay in the future ,giving users more choices of cards. The bigger question is whether Apple will eventually bring UPI support to Apple pay in India. For now, Apple Pay remains focused on card-based payments. For Indian iPhone users, though, the long wait is finally over. Apple Pay is now officially part of India's digital payment landscape, starting with Axis Bank credit cards.