New Delhi: Apple is reportedly planning to introduce its mobile payment service, Apple Pay, in India in 2026, marking a potential new competitor to existing digital payment platforms such as Google Pay and apps built on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
The move comes as India’s digital payments ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, driven by widespread adoption of smartphones and government initiatives to promote cashless transactions. Local and global technology companies have been eyeing the Indian market, which has emerged as one of the largest and fastest-growing digital payments landscapes in the world.
Apple Pay’s entry is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the sector by offering users a seamless way to make in-store and online payments using Apple devices. The service would allow users to link their debit and credit cards within the Apple Wallet app, enabling contactless payments at compatible terminals and in supported apps and websites.
Industry observers say Apple’s strategy in India reflects the company’s broader effort to deepen engagement with its large and increasingly affluent user base in the country. While Apple has lagged behind rivals in mobile payments compared with its strong presence in hardware sales, the introduction of Apple Pay could help strengthen its ecosystem and increase loyalty among Indian consumers.
The anticipated launch in 2026 would come after years of speculation about Apple expanding its digital payment services in India. Negotiations between Apple and local banks, payment networks and regulators have reportedly been ongoing, as the company seeks to align with domestic rules governing digital payments and data localisation requirements.
If launched, Apple Pay would join a competitive field that includes UPI-based apps such as PhonePe, Paytm and Google Pay, which have become deeply integrated into everyday transactions for millions of users. UPI has enabled real-time bank-to-bank transfers and is widely used for everything from bill payments to purchases at small retailers and merchants.
Apple Pay’s entry could potentially encourage innovation and new features in the payments space, particularly around security, privacy, and integration with device ecosystems. Apple has positioned its payment service globally as a secure option, leveraging biometric authentication and tokenisation to protect user data.
Consumers and merchants alike could benefit from increased choice and competition, though challenges remain, including regulatory compliance, merchant acceptance, and user education. The success of Apple Pay in India will likely depend on how well the service integrates with local payment habits and infrastructure, which have been shaped by the widespread adoption of UPI.
As digital transactions continue to rise in India, analysts say the arrival of Apple Pay could further accelerate the shift away from cash and reinforce the country’s position as a major hub for mobile payments innovation. The official announcement and exact launch timeline are expected to be confirmed closer to 2026.
