Apple Pay Is Finally Live in India: How to Set Up, Use & Pay
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Apple Pay has officially started in India. Apple announced on 30 September 2026 that its contactless payment service is live on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon. Indian users can now tap to pay in stores and check out in apps and on the web without typing a PIN or OTP at checkout. Here is how to set it up, where to use it, and what to know before your first tap.
What Is Apple Pay and What Has Launched in India?
Apple Pay is Apple's contactless payment service, now live in India on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It works in stores, in apps and on websites, with no PIN or OTP at checkout.
Apple says it works at thousands of in-store and online merchants across India, and anywhere that accepts NFC transactions. Globally, Apple Pay is available in more than 90 countries and regions. In stores, you pay without opening a separate app. Online, you skip creating accounts and retyping card, shipping and billing details.
Which Banks Support Apple Pay in India Right Now?
At launch, only Axis Bank. Eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be added. Debit cards, RuPay and UPI are not part of the launch.
Apple has named Axis Bank as its launch partner. Apple has not announced any other banks, though more issuers could follow over time. Apple does say more merchants and apps are coming. Because the list may change, check apple.com/in/apple-pay before you try to add a card. If your credit card is from another bank, you will have to wait for an official announcement.
Which iPhones and Devices Support Apple Pay in India?
You need an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. Apple Watch Series 6 or later on watchOS 11 or later also works, paired with a compatible iPhone.
That covers the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max, the full iPhone 11 to iPhone 18 range, and iPad. Your Apple Account region should be set to India. Update to the latest iOS and the latest Axis Bank app before you begin.
If your phone is now your wallet, keep it ready for the checkout counter. Quality mobile accessories make that easier: a reliable fast charging cable compatible with iPhone, a power bank for long days out, and sturdy iPhone covers for everyday handling.
How to Set Up Apple Pay in India
Quick answer: Add your eligible Axis Bank credit card through the latest Axis Bank app, or open the Wallet app on iPhone, tap the plus sign, and follow the steps.
- Update your iPhone to iOS 18 or later, and update the Axis Bank app.
- Open the Axis Bank app and choose the option to add your eligible card to Apple Wallet. Or open Wallet, tap +, and follow the on-screen steps. Card settings are also available under Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Complete any verification Axis Bank asks for. The issuer may request extra checks before approving the card.
- Once the card is added, you can start using Apple Pay right away.
How to Use Apple Pay in Stores, Apps and Websites
Debit cards and RuPay cards will not add at launch.
Double-click the side button, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode if prompted, then hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader.
On Apple Watch, double-click the side button and hold the display near the reader. For online and in-app purchases on iPhone or iPad, choose Apple Pay at checkout. Mac support is coming soon. You keep earning the rewards and benefits your card already offers.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay in India?
Look for the contactless symbol at the payment terminal. At launch, Apple names Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.
Apple has worked with payment service providers including BillDesk, Cashfree, Juspay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs and Razorpay to bring Apple Pay to their merchant networks. A supermarket or shopping-centre counter with a contactless POS machine should accept an NFC tap. Staff at smaller shops may not be familiar with Apple Pay yet, so ask to pay by tapping on the card terminal.
Apple Pay vs UPI: What Is Different?
Apple Pay pays through your credit card using a tokenised device number. UPI moves money bank to bank and uses a UPI PIN. Apple Pay needs no PIN or OTP at checkout.
With UPI you scan a QR code or enter a UPI ID, then approve with a PIN. With Apple Pay you authenticate on the device and tap. Apple Pay is card-based, so it works on a narrower slice of India's payments than UPI. The two can live side by side on your phone.
Is Apple Pay Safe? Security and Privacy Explained
Apple does not store your actual card number on the device or on its servers, and it does not share the number with merchants. Never share your card PIN or banking OTPs with anyone.
When you add a card, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip on the device. Visa and Mastercard add that each transaction is protected by a unique token, so card details are not shared with merchants. Apple does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to you. Those records stay between you, the merchant and your bank. Even so, keep your passcode private and be careful with calls or messages claiming to be from Apple or your bank.
What Happens If Your iPhone Is Lost or Stolen?
Use the Find My app to locate your iPhone, lock it, or suspend payments from that device. Also contact your bank to block the card if you suspect misuse.
Act quickly. Mark the device as lost, then check your card statement for any transactions you do not recognise.
Apple Pay India FAQs
Q. Is Apple Pay available in India?
A. Yes. Apple launched it on 30 September 2026 on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support coming soon.
Q. Which banks support Apple Pay in India?
A. At launch, only Axis Bank. Apple has not announced other issuers.
Q. Can I add a debit card or RuPay card to Apple Pay?
A. Not at launch. Only eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards are supported.
Q. Which iPhones support Apple Pay in India?
A. iPhone XR and later with iOS 18 or later.
Q. Does Apple Pay work on Apple Watch and iPad?
A. Yes. Apple Watch Series 6 or later on watchOS 11 or later, and iPad. Mac support is coming soon.
Q. Do I need an OTP or PIN to pay with Apple Pay?
A. No PIN or OTP at checkout. You authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode.
Q. Does Apple store my card number?
A. No. A Device Account Number is stored encrypted in the device's Secure Element.
Q. Is Apple Pay the same as UPI?
A. No. Apple Pay is card-based and does not use UPI.
Q. Where can I use Apple Pay in India?
A. At contactless terminals, in apps and on websites. Launch merchants include Croma, Zomato, Blinkit, Chaayos, Tata 1mg and Apple Store locations.
Q. What should I do if my iPhone is lost?
A. Use Find My to locate, lock or suspend payments, and contact your bank.
Author Bio
Gazanfar Ali is the Content Head at GrunX, an Indian D2C mobile accessories brand under JAMSFA Group. He leads content strategy, SEO, AEO and GEO, and writes on tech news, charging and everyday accessories for readers across India and the UAE.
