Apple Pay has officially launched in India, partnering with Axis Bank as its first banking collaborator, according to inc42.com. At launch, the service supports Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, enabling iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users to make payments in apps, online, and at contactless-enabled stores. Mac support is expected soon.
The rollout allows users to authenticate transactions via Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at contactless payment terminals. Apple Pay eliminates the need to repeatedly enter card, contact, shipping, or billing details. The company emphasized that the digital wallet is safer than physical cards, as users’ identities are not shared with merchants or operators, according to inc42.com.
Apple Pay’s entry into India aligns with the country’s growing digital payments market, which has seen rapid adoption of cashless transactions. The service is already accepted by millions of merchants across India, including Apple Store physical locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato. Apple plans to add more merchants and apps over time, reflecting the competitive landscape of digital wallets in India.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple Pay and Apple Wallet vice president, highlighted India’s dynamic and digitally savvy population embracing a cashless future with high standards of security and privacy. The launch marks a significant step for Apple’s payment services in India, with the company aiming to expand rapidly across the country, inc42.com reported.