On September 30, 2026, Apple switched on Apple Pay in India. It is one of the last big markets where the service had been missing, and it arrives in a country where UPI already handles tens of billions of payments a month.
So who is Apple Pay for, and what does it offer that UPI doesn’t? This guide covers what launched, which cards work, how to set it up, and where it fits beside UPI. I’ve separated what Apple and the banks have confirmed from what is only reported.
Apple Pay Launches in India: What Happened?
Apple announced on September 30, 2026 that Apple Pay is available in India on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support “coming soon”. You can pay in stores, in apps and on websites.
Axis Bank is the first and only Indian issuer at launch. Its Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added to Apple Pay. The service works at merchants that accept contactless (NFC) payments, and Apple says it also works with a wide set of online merchants and payment gateways.
Reuters reported that Axis is India’s fourth-largest credit card issuer. Its 16.3 million cards outstanding, out of about 124 million nationwide as of August, come from central bank data. Not all of those cards qualify, since Axis also issues RuPay cards.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said the aim is tap-to-pay “without an extra app, PIN, or OTP”. Apple says Apple Pay now covers more than 90 countries and regions.
Why it matters: iPhone owners in India can now pay with an Indian credit card from their phone or watch, with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode in place of a PIN or OTP at checkout.
Apple Pay India Supported Banks and Cards
Support is narrow at launch. Here is the verified picture as of September 30, 2026:
| Bank | Card Network | Card Type | Apple Pay Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Bank | Visa | Credit (eligible cards) | Supported at launch |
| Axis Bank | Mastercard | Credit (eligible cards) | Supported at launch |
| Axis Bank | RuPay | Credit | Not supported at launch |
| Axis Bank | Any | Debit | Not part of the launch announcement |
| HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Card | Any | Any | Not live at launch |
Three points need care.
“Eligible” matters. Apple and Axis both say eligible cards. Check with Axis whether your specific card qualifies.
RuPay is out. Reuters and other outlets report that RuPay cards aren’t eligible. Neither Apple nor Axis has announced a date for adding them.
Debit cards aren’t announced. Apple’s launch announcement and its India Apple Pay page speak only of credit cards. I found no official statement on Axis debit cards, so don’t assume they work.
What about HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card?
They are not live. Reuters reported earlier in September that Apple had talked with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank but had not agreed commercial terms. TechCrunch, citing a source, said negotiations with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card continue.
No agreement with any other bank has been announced. Reports describe talks, not deals. Apple says only that more banks, merchants and apps will come “over time”.
How to Set Up Apple Pay in India on iPhone
Apple offers two routes. Both need a supported device (covered below) and an eligible Axis Bank credit card.
Add an Eligible Card Through the Axis Bank App
- Update the Axis Bank app to its latest version. Apple’s announcement specifically says the latest version.
- Sign in and open your eligible credit card.
- Follow the app’s prompts to add the card to Apple Wallet. Menu labels may differ, so I haven’t quoted button names.
- Complete any verification the app requests.
Add an Eligible Card Through Apple Wallet
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus (+) sign.
- Follow the on-screen steps to add your card. Apple’s India page says to scan the card and follow the instructions.
- Verify the card when asked.
A note on verification: Apple’s India page says the issuer may require an extra check during setup, such as an OTP or bank-app verification. This is separate from paying at a store. It happens once, when the card is added. Once the card is in Wallet, Apple says you can start using it right away.
Apple’s support pages cover adding a card to Apple Watch or iPad.
How to Use Apple Pay on iPhone in India
In a store, the process is short:
- Double-click the side button (or Home button on models that have one).
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode if prompted.
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader. On Apple Watch, hold the display near the reader.
- Wait for the confirmation on your screen.
Look for the contactless symbol at the terminal. It’s the same wave-shaped mark you see on tap-enabled cards. The payment uses the NFC chip in your device, so the shop’s terminal must support contactless.
Apple also says in-store payments work without Wi-Fi or mobile data, because NFC handles the connection. The purchase may not appear in your transaction history until you reconnect.
How Apple Pay Works for Online Shopping and Apps
Online payments follow a different path from in-store taps. You aren’t tapping a terminal. You’re confirming a payment inside an app or website.
In apps and on the web: choose Apple Pay at checkout, review the payment details, and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. Apple says this saves you from creating accounts or retyping contact details, card numbers, and shipping and billing information.
In other browsers: at participating merchants, select Apple Pay, scan the QR code shown with your iPhone, review the order and confirm. This needs iOS 18 or later on the iPhone. The QR code here only completes an Apple Pay card checkout. It is not a UPI QR payment.
Where it works: merchants integrate Apple Pay through their payment providers. Apple says it worked with Cashfree, Juspay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline, with more to follow. Whether a specific app or site offers Apple Pay is up to that merchant.
Apple Pay vs UPI in India: What Is the Difference?
Apple Pay and UPI are different payment systems. Apple Pay does not replace UPI, and Apple has not described it that way.
- UPI is a real-time payment system that moves money between bank accounts. Its network is run by NPCI.
- Apple Pay is a wallet layer for payment cards. It stores a secure, tokenised version of your card and lets you pay with your device. At launch, that means Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
| Feature | Apple Pay (India, at launch) | UPI |
|---|---|---|
| Basic model | Card-based wallet and tokenised payments | Bank-account-based instant payment system |
| Funding source | Eligible Axis Bank Visa or Mastercard credit card | Linked bank account (and some credit products on UPI) |
| QR payments | No UPI QR scanning. QR appears only in Apple Pay’s web checkout in other browsers | Yes, core to how UPI is used |
| NFC/contactless | Yes, at contactless terminals | UPI Tap & Pay, introduced September 10, 2026, needs supported terminals |
| UPI ID | No UPI support at launch | Yes |
| Authentication | Face ID, Touch ID or passcode | UPI PIN and other supported methods |
| Depends on card network | Yes (Visa/Mastercard and the issuer) | No, it runs on NPCI’s network |
| Typical merchant cost | Standard credit card fees apply | Changing from October 15, 2026 for some larger merchants |
UPI is also moving into tapping. NPCI introduced UPI Tap & Pay on September 10, 2026 at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. It lets users tap an NFC-enabled phone on a compatible terminal or tag to pay from a linked account. Both routes need merchants to have the right equipment.
Merchant cost is one visible difference. NPCI’s latest FAQ, as reported by Business Standard, puts standard credit card merchant fees at 1.5% to 2.5%. From October 15, 2026, eligible UPI merchant payments above ₹2,000 attract 0.4%, capped at ₹300, while customers pay nothing extra. Small merchants under the ₹1 lakh monthly threshold are exempt. To understand that shift, read about UPI charges and new MDR rules in 2026.
Does Apple Pay Support UPI in India?
No, not at launch. Apple describes the launch as card-based, and reports say UPI support is absent.
- Direct UPI payments through Apple Pay: not available at launch.
- UPI IDs in Apple Wallet: not announced or supported.
- UPI QR codes: Apple Pay doesn’t scan them. The QR flow described above is for web checkout only.
- What you can do: pay with an eligible Axis credit card by tap, in apps or on websites.
Could that change? Neither Apple nor NPCI has announced any UPI integration plan, so I won’t guess. For now, keep your UPI apps for QR payments and use Apple Pay for card payments.
Which iPhones Support Apple Pay in India?
Apple’s India launch note gives a specific requirement: iPhone XR or later, running iOS 18 or later. Apple’s general compatibility page separately lists iPhones with Face ID or Touch ID. See the Apple Pay compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models for the full listing.
In practice, the India launch requirement is what applies to you. Check your model in Settings, update to iOS 18 or later, and confirm on Apple’s page if you’re unsure. Models around the cut-off, such as some older iPhone SE generations, are the ones to verify.
Does Apple Pay Work on iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo is real. Apple announced it on September 9, 2026 as its first foldable iPhone, and it goes on sale October 23, 2026. It did not launch alongside Apple Pay in India. It arrives about three weeks later.
What I can confirm from Apple’s own material:
- Apple’s iPhone Duo specifications list Apple Pay with Touch ID, in stores, within apps and on the web.
- The Duo has a Touch ID sensor built into the side button and NFC.
- It ships with iOS 27, which is newer than the iOS 18 minimum in Apple’s India note.
On paper, the Duo meets the requirements. However, it isn’t on sale yet. I found no Apple statement specifically about the Duo working with Axis cards in India, so treat that combination as unverified. Check Apple’s current compatibility page around the October 23 release.
Does Apple Pay Work on Apple Watch and iPad?
Apple Watch: yes. Apple lists Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later. On a watch you can pay in stores by holding the display near the reader, as well as in supported apps.
iPad: yes. Apple’s launch says iPad is supported. Apple’s general compatibility page lists iPad models with Touch ID or Face ID for web and in-app payments. An iPad isn’t used for tapping at a store terminal. Apple’s launch note doesn’t give an India-specific iPad model list, so check Apple’s compatibility page for yours.
Mac: not yet. Apple says Mac support is coming soon, and its India page states that Axis credit cards currently work on Apple devices except Mac. Apple’s general page describes how Mac payments typically work, but I haven’t found a launch date for India.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay in India?
Apple says Apple Pay is accepted at Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, among others.
That doesn’t mean every outlet of every brand accepts it. In stores, it depends on the terminal supporting contactless. Online, it depends on the merchant having switched on Apple Pay through its payment provider.
Apple also says Apple Pay works abroad wherever contactless payments are accepted, subject to your bank’s support and any overseas fees it charges.
A practical test: look for the contactless symbol at a shop, or the Apple Pay button at checkout. If you don’t see either, ask.
Is Apple Pay Safe and Secure in India?
Apple’s design rests on tokenisation and device-level protection.
- Card number protection: Apple says your actual card number isn’t stored on the device or Apple’s servers, and isn’t shared with merchants. A unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip on the device.
- Network tokens: Mastercard’s India president said each Apple Pay transaction uses a unique cryptographic token, so merchants never see card details.
- Authentication: payments are protected by Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. Apple’s India page says you get the same fraud protections as with the physical card.
- Privacy: Apple says it doesn’t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you.
- Lost or stolen phone: use Find My to locate or lock the device, or suspend payments. Apple’s page also mentions Lost Mode and remote removal of cards.
Apple describes Apple Pay as designed to be more secure than using a physical card. That is Apple’s own claim, and no payment method is risk-free. Keep your passcode private and report a lost device promptly.
Does Apple Pay Charge Any Fees in India?
Apple doesn’t charge users. Its India page says Apple charges no fees for purchases in stores, online or in apps, and doesn’t cap the number of transactions.
Three other cost layers exist, and they’re separate:
- Card issuer charges: Apple says your issuer may still apply its usual fees. Your existing card terms, such as interest and annual fees, don’t change because you use Apple Pay.
- International use: your bank may charge overseas fees, per Apple.
- Merchant costs: shops pay payment-processing costs on card transactions. This is separate from what you pay. Businesses weighing their options can look at UPI MDR, GST and input tax credit for merchants to compare how costs work on the UPI side.
I haven’t found published details of what Apple and Axis agreed between themselves, and I won’t guess at figures.
Will Apple Pay Work Without a PIN or OTP?
At checkout, yes. Apple says payments don’t need a PIN or OTP. Instead, you authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode.
Setup can differ. Apple’s India page says the issuer may ask for an extra verification factor, like an OTP or bank-app verification, when you add the card. That is a one-time identity check.
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Adding a card | Possible OTP or bank-app verification |
| Paying in store | Double-click, Face ID/Touch ID/passcode if prompted, then tap |
| Paying online or in apps | Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or passcode |
Do Apple Pay Transactions Earn Credit Card Rewards?
Apple says yes. Users continue to earn the rewards and benefits their cards offer when using Apple Pay. Business Standard reports the same.
The wording is general, so your individual card’s terms still apply. Category exclusions, caps, offer conditions and reward rates come from Axis, not Apple. If your card has a specific offer, check its terms.
Apple Pay India and the Future of Digital Payments
Apple Pay arrives in a market shaped by UPI. NPCI data, as reported, show UPI processed a record 24.51 billion transactions worth ₹29.82 lakh crore in August 2026. You can track the official UPI transaction statistics from NPCI yourself.
Apple Pay isn’t attempting to displace that. It targets a different use: card payments made from an Apple device. Since Apple Pay needs issuer integration, growth depends on more banks joining, and none beyond Axis has been confirmed.
Several things are worth watching:
- Bank expansion: the reported talks with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank haven’t produced announced agreements.
- RuPay and UPI: neither is supported at launch, and no timeline exists.
- Merchant acceptance: more terminals and apps will need to switch on Apple Pay.
- Contactless competition: UPI Tap & Pay brings NFC to UPI, so the two approaches now overlap at some shop counters.
None of this settles which method will grow faster. Many Indians may end up using both: UPI for everyday transfers and QR payments, cards on Apple Pay for tap payments and online checkouts. For a wider view, read how UPI and digital payments are changing personal finance in India.
The bottom line: if you hold an eligible Axis Bank credit card and a compatible iPhone, you can start using Apple Pay today. Everyone else should wait for their bank’s announcement rather than rely on speculation.
5. FAQ Section
Is Apple Pay available in India?
Yes. Apple launched Apple Pay in India on September 30, 2026, on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Mac support is listed as coming soon. At launch, it works only with eligible Axis Bank credit cards on Visa and Mastercard, so availability depends on your card.
Which banks support Apple Pay in India?
Only Axis Bank at launch. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI Card weren’t live on September 30, 2026. Reuters reported talks with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank without agreed commercial terms. No other bank agreement has been announced, so check with your bank.
Which Axis Bank cards work with Apple Pay?
Apple and Axis say eligible Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks work. Not every Axis card qualifies, and Apple hasn’t published a full card-by-card list in the sources I reviewed. Contact Axis Bank or try adding your card in Wallet to confirm.
Does Apple Pay support RuPay cards?
Not at launch. Reuters and other outlets report that RuPay cards aren’t eligible, and Apple’s announcement mentions only Visa and Mastercard. No timeline for RuPay support has been announced, so treat it as unconfirmed until Apple or your bank says otherwise.
Does Apple Pay support UPI in India?
No, not at launch. Apple Pay is card-based, so you can’t pay from a bank account through UPI, add a UPI ID to Wallet, or scan UPI QR codes with it. No UPI integration plan has been announced. UPI and Apple Pay remain separate systems.
How do I set up Apple Pay on my iPhone?
Open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign and follow the steps to add an eligible card. You can also add it through the latest Axis Bank app. Your bank may ask for an OTP or bank-app verification during setup. After that, the card is ready to use.
Can I use Apple Pay on Apple Watch in India?
Yes. Apple says it’s available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later. You can pay in stores by holding the watch display near a contactless reader, and use it in supported apps.
Can I use Apple Pay on iPad in India?
Yes. Apple says Apple Pay is available on iPad for payments in apps and on the web. You can’t tap an iPad at a store terminal. Check Apple’s compatibility page to confirm your iPad model, since the launch note gives no India-specific iPad list.
Does Apple Pay work without PIN or OTP?
At checkout, yes. Apple says you authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode instead of a PIN or OTP. When you first add a card, your bank may still require an OTP or bank-app verification. That check is separate from paying.
Is Apple Pay free in India?
Apple doesn’t charge you to use Apple Pay in stores, online or in apps, and it sets no transaction limit. Your card issuer may still apply its usual fees and charges. Overseas use can attract bank fees too, so check your card’s terms.
Is Apple Pay secure?
Apple says your card number isn’t stored on the device or its servers, or shared with merchants. It uses a Device Account Number in the Secure Element and Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. If you lose your iPhone, Find My can lock it or suspend payments. No payment method is risk-free.
Can I use Apple Pay for online shopping?
Yes. Apple Pay works in apps and on websites that support it, using the Apple Pay button at checkout. In other browsers, you select Apple Pay and scan a QR code with your iPhone to confirm. Availability depends on each merchant enabling it.
Does Apple Pay work with iPhone Duo?
Apple’s specifications list Apple Pay with Touch ID for the iPhone Duo, which goes on sale October 23, 2026. It wasn’t part of the September 30 launch. I found no Apple statement on Duo with Axis cards in India, so check Apple’s compatibility page after release.
