Apple Pay May Launch in India Soon as Apple Holds Talks With Banks and Card Networks

Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce its digital payment service, Apple Pay, in India, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy in one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech markets. According to reports citing people familiar with the matter, the company is in discussions with leading Indian banks and global payment networks to pave the way for a potential launch by mid-2026.

While the exact launch timeline has not been officially confirmed, ongoing negotiations suggest that Apple Pay’s India debut could happen sooner rather than later.

Talks Underway With Major Banks and Card Networks

Sources indicate that Apple is in advanced discussions with prominent financial institutions, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank. These partnerships are considered crucial for enabling seamless card-based transactions through Apple Pay in India.

In addition to local banks, Apple is reportedly engaging with global card networks such as Mastercard and Visa to support debit and credit card integration on its platform.

The move signals Apple’s intention to build a robust payments ecosystem that aligns with both international standards and India’s domestic digital infrastructure.

Likely to Support UPI Alongside Card Payments

One of the most notable aspects of Apple’s India strategy is the expected integration of the country’s widely used Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI, operated by the National Payments Corporation of India, allows users to transfer money instantly, pay bills, and complete merchant transactions directly from their bank accounts.

If Apple Pay supports UPI along with traditional card-based payments, it would significantly enhance its competitiveness in the Indian market. UPI has become the backbone of digital payments in the country, handling billions of transactions monthly and driving rapid adoption of cashless payments.

The ability to combine global card networks with India’s homegrown real-time payments system could give Apple Pay a hybrid model tailored specifically for local users.

Competitive Landscape: Strong Rivals in the Market

Apple Pay will enter a highly competitive digital payments ecosystem. Key players already operating in India include Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, and Amazon Pay.

These platforms have established large user bases, largely driven by UPI transactions and wallet-based services. However, Apple Pay differentiates itself through its ecosystem-driven approach and strong emphasis on privacy and security.

Apple Pay relies on biometric authentication methods such as Face ID and Touch ID to authorize transactions. This includes tap-to-pay in physical stores as well as payments made through websites and mobile applications.

Regulatory Environment Favors Biometric Authentication

Recent regulatory changes by the Reserve Bank of India have allowed digital payments to incorporate biometric authentication methods like fingerprint and facial recognition. Previously, most digital transactions in India relied heavily on one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via text messages.

The regulatory shift aligns well with Apple Pay’s authentication framework, potentially smoothing the path for its entry into the Indian market.

India: A High-Growth Digital Payments Hub

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing digital payment markets globally. Affordable mobile data, widespread internet penetration, and strong government support for digital transactions have accelerated adoption rates.

The country now has over 750 million smartphone users, creating a massive addressable market for mobile-based payment services. Apple, which currently holds nearly 10% share in the domestic smartphone segment, has been steadily expanding its retail presence and product ecosystem in India.

The launch of Apple Pay could further strengthen Apple’s hardware sales, as payment integration often enhances customer loyalty within its ecosystem.

What Apple Pay’s Entry Could Mean

If Apple Pay officially launches in India in 2026, it could reshape the premium segment of digital payments by combining global card networks, biometric security, and potentially UPI integration in a single platform.

While competition remains intense, Apple’s strong brand equity and expanding retail footprint may give it an edge among urban, high-end smartphone users. The coming months will likely bring greater clarity as negotiations progress and official announcements are made.

For now, the fintech industry will be closely watching Apple’s next move in India’s rapidly evolving digital payments landscape.