Apple Pay India Launch has finally happened after nearly 12 years of waiting. Apple has introduced its payment service in India in partnership with Axis Bank, initially supporting select Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by the bank.
The service allows users to make payments using compatible Apple devices without entering their card number, PIN or OTP for every transaction.
Apple Pay India Launch Supports Select Cards
At launch, eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added to Apple Wallet. Users can then make payments by holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near a supported contactless payment terminal.
Apple Pay can also be used for payments inside apps and on websites. Transactions can be authorised using Face ID, Touch ID or the security features available on the device.
Apple has said that support for Mac is coming soon. The company also plans to add more banks and card-issuing financial organisations to the service in the future.
Which Cards Work With Apple Pay?
The initial availability of Apple Pay in India is limited. RuPay cards are currently not supported, while cards from HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card are also not available at the launch.
Users with an eligible Axis Bank card can add it to Apple Wallet and use it for supported contactless, online and in-app transactions.
The availability will also depend on whether the merchant or payment terminal supports Apple Pay.
Apple Pay Will Not Work Everywhere
Apple Pay cannot be used at every card machine in India. A merchant or payment terminal must specifically support Apple Pay for users to complete a transaction through the service.
Apple is initially rolling out support among merchants in categories such as food and beverage, travel, fashion and lifestyle. The company plans to expand support to more merchants and apps over time.
Apple Pay and UPI Are Different
Apple Pay India Launch is separate from UPI and does not work as a direct replacement for India’s bank-to-bank payment system.
UPI enables users to make direct payments between bank accounts, while Apple’s initial Apple Pay offering in India is based on eligible credit cards. As a result, the two services have different payment methods and availability.
The launch adds another payment option for Indian users of compatible iPhones and Apple Watches. It also comes as Apple continues to expand its sales, manufacturing and retail presence in India.
