Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Good news for Apple users. The Apple Pay service is set to launch in India soon. Although Apple continually introduces new features and facilities to its customers, there is good news for Apple users.
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Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Apple Pay’s Digital Payment Launch in India
Apple is preparing to launch its digital payment service, “Apple Pay,” in India. The company has begun discussions with major card networks like Mastercard and Visa. According to a media report, Apple is in the process of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals in India. The company plans to roll it out in a phased manner by 2026.
Initial Launch Strategy: Focusing on Card-Based Payments
The service may initially launch without UPI. In the first phase of Apple Pay, the company will not apply for a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) license for UPI. Initially, Apple will focus entirely on card-based contactless payments. This means that iPhone users will be able to store their credit or debit cards in Apple Wallet and make payments at merchant outlets simply by tapping their phone.
How the Tap-to-pay Feature Will Provide Convenience
Apple Pay eliminates the need for users to carry a physical card with them. It uses ‘tap-to-pay’ technology, which is based on near-field communication (NFC). Users will be able to authenticate payments using Face ID or Touch ID. This will make the payment process much faster and more secure. Currently, adding Indian cards to Apple Wallet is not available.
Regulatory Compliance and Challenges with RBI
The company is busy meeting regulatory norms. The RBI has strict regulations on digital payments in India, particularly regarding data storage and card tokenisation. Apple is in discussions with regulators to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Negotiations with Banks and Fee Structures
Negotiations are also underway with banks regarding commercial agreements and fee structures. Apple charges a small percentage of the bank fee on each transaction, which could be a significant challenge to reach an agreement with banks in India.
Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Market Competition with Google Pay and PhonePe
Google Pay and PhonePe could face competition. Apple Pay will compete with existing giants like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. However, Apple Pay will only work on Apple devices (iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad). However, the remaining apps run on both Android and iOS. Apple’s market share in India is steadily increasing, so this service could become quite popular among premium users.
Apple Pay’s Global Presence and India Strategy
The service is available in 89 countries globally. Apple Pay is currently available in 89 countries worldwide. Its entry into India is part of Apple’s strategy to establish India as its largest market after China. Earlier, Apple had rolled out some features for international payments in India in collaboration with Razor Pay, but the full service is yet to be launched at the domestic level.
🚨 Apple to launch its digital payments service, Apple Pay, in India by 2026 end. pic.twitter.com/Y1cvUpJAkK
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) January 21, 2026
Jay Chavda He is the Founder and Writer of businesspulsecare.com. He is an I.T Engineer, Freelancer, Businessman. He posts Business, Stock/Share Market, Finance Related News and updates on the website. 🔗