Apple's major move after five years: Card payments return to the App Store in India—here’s what has changed for users..

Apple Card Payments in India: Apple has resumed card payment support for the App Store in India. Currently, the company supports Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. This will make it easier for users to purchase apps, download games, and pay for subscriptions to services like iCloud+. However, this feature will not be available to all users simultaneously; the company is rolling it out gradually.

Payments can no longer be made directly via card.
Under the new system, users cannot make payments directly on the App Store using their cards. First, they must add funds to their Apple Account wallet using their card. Subsequently, this balance will be used to purchase apps, make in-app purchases, and pay for subscriptions. The option to add funds to the Apple Account via UPI will remain available as before.

Why were the rules changed?
Some time ago, the RBI implemented card tokenization rules to enhance the security of online card payments.
Under these regulations, companies are prohibited from storing customers' actual card numbers and expiry dates; instead, the use of secure digital tokens is mandatory.

Following the implementation of these rules, Apple had suspended card payment support in India. Now, after making the necessary adjustments, the company has reintroduced this feature.

Has Apple Pay arrived in India too?
Not yet... Apple has clarified to users that this change is unrelated to Apple Pay. Apple Pay is the company's contactless digital payment service, which is currently unavailable in India. For now, card support has been restored solely for the App Store.

How do I add a card?
If you wish to use this feature, you must complete a verification process using an OTP.
Once the registration process is complete, the card will be saved, and you can remove it at any time if needed.

How will subscription payments be handled?
Recurring subscriptions, such as iCloud+, will operate under the RBI's e-Mandate regulations. The first payment will require authorization via OTP.
Subsequently, auto-renewal payments falling within the set limit will be processed automatically following notification from the bank.
Currently, Apple supports only Visa and Mastercard. According to reports, support for RuPay cards may also be added in the coming weeks, enabling more Indian users to avail themselves of this facility.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.