Apple is reportedly preparing to launch Apple Pay in India. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is in talks with major Indian banks to introduce the payment service, likely by mid-2026. This would mark another significant step for Apple in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.
India is increasingly becoming a strategically important market for Apple. Alongside rising iPhone sales, the company is expanding its retail presence and investing in long-term partnerships. The planned launch of Apple Pay fits into this overall strategy. Several media outlets had already reported on these plans. A January report by Business Standard suggested that Apple Pay could launch in India before the end of the year. The Times of India had also previously reported on the plans. The new Bloomberg report now confirms that concrete discussions are taking place.
Discussions with various banks
According to sources familiar with the talks, Apple is currently negotiating with three major Indian banks:
- ICICI Bank
- HDFC Bank
- Axis Bank
The aim of the talks is to make Apple Pay available in the Indian market. According to Bloomberg, the planned timeframe is mid-2026.
These banks are among the country's most important financial institutions. A collaboration would allow Apple to offer the service nationwide and build upon existing banking structures.
Agreement with Mastercard and Visa
In addition to discussions with Indian banks, Apple is also coordinating with the global payment networks Mastercard and Visa. Both companies play a central role in international payments and are already Apple Pay partners in other countries.
The collaboration is necessary to integrate credit and debit card payments into the system and to provide the technical infrastructure.
Integration of UPI as a key to the market
The Indian digital payments market is clearly dominated by the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system. UPI is a government-backed payment interface that enables real-time transfers between bank accounts. Users can instantly send money and pay bills.
According to the report, Apple Pay will support UPI. This is crucial, as UPI is the market leader for digital payments in India. Without integrating this system, Apple Pay would have limited relevance in everyday life.
Supporting UPI would mean that Apple Pay would not only offer classic card functions, but would work directly with the infrastructure established in India.
New central bank rules facilitate biometric payments
Another important factor for the potential market launch is regulatory changes. At the end of last year, the Reserve Bank of India passed new regulations allowing biometric authentication methods for digital payments. These include, among others:
- Touch ID
- Face ID
Until now, authentication via one-time passwords sent via SMS (OTP) was the standard method in India. The new regulations now officially permit biometric authentication. This benefits Apple Pay, as the service relies heavily on biometric security features.
Apple Pay is established worldwide
Apple Pay was launched more than ten years ago. The service is now available in 89 markets worldwide. It enables contactless payments in brick-and-mortar stores, in apps, and online.
Expanding into India would further strengthen the international presence and cover one of the world's largest smartphone markets.
Record numbers for Apple in the third quarter of 2025
The timing of the planned launch is favorable for Apple. According to data from market research firm IDC, Apple recorded its highest quarterly shipments to date in India in the third quarter of 2025. Here's a summary of the figures:
- 5 million devices delivered
- Fourth place in the Indian smartphone market for the first time
This development shows that Apple is gaining market share in India. A larger installed base of devices simultaneously increases the potential for services like Apple Pay.
Expansion of retail presence in India
Alongside its digital plans, Apple is further expanding its physical presence in the country. On Thursday, the company opened its sixth store in India.
Expanding brick-and-mortar retail supports local brand positioning and creates additional touchpoints for customers.
Apple is pushing ahead with the rollout of Apple Pay in India
According to Bloomberg, Apple is in advanced talks with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank to launch Apple Pay in India by mid-2026. Discussions are also underway with Mastercard and Visa. The planned support for the UPI system is a key component of this strategy.
New regulatory frameworks now permit biometric authentication methods such as Touch ID and Face ID, further facilitating their adoption. At the same time, Apple is experiencing strong growth in the Indian smartphone market and is continuing to expand its retail presence.
Should Apple Pay launch as planned, Apple would further solidify its position in India in both the hardware and services sectors. (Image: Shutterstock / YAROVA)
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