New Delhi: Apple Inc. is moving closer to introducing its Apple Pay service in India, with discussions underway with leading private sector banks and global payment networks. The initiative reflects the company’s broader ambition to deepen its presence in the country and tap into one of the world’s most dynamic digital payments ecosystems.
The technology giant is understood to be engaging with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank as potential issuing partners. In parallel, Apple is also in conversations with global card networks Mastercard and Visa, signalling a multi layered payments strategy. A launch is being explored around mid 2026, although timelines remain flexible.
Apple Pay in India is expected to support the country’s Unified Payments Interface, a real time payment system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India. UPI has become the backbone of India’s cashless economy, enabling instant transfers, merchant payments and bill settlements. Alongside UPI, Apple Pay is also likely to offer traditional card based transactions, creating a seamless option for users across platforms.
The service would enter a crowded but rapidly expanding market that already features major players such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Amazon and Paytm. Apple’s emphasis on privacy and biometric security could help differentiate its offering, especially after India’s central bank allowed the use of fingerprint and facial authentication for digital transactions.
India’s scale presents a significant opportunity. With more than 750 million smartphone users and one of the fastest growing digital payments markets globally, a local rollout could strengthen Apple’s services revenue while also supporting demand for devices such as iPhones, Apple Watches and iPads.
The payments push comes alongside Apple’s expanding manufacturing and retail footprint in India. The company has increased iPhone production for global exports and continues to invest in physical retail, including its newest store in Mumbai. Chief executive Tim Cook has repeatedly described India as a key growth engine, underscoring its importance to Apple’s long term global strategy.
