Quiet but steady movement behind the scenes suggests Apple is preparing to bring its digital payments service, Apple Pay, to India. The company is reportedly in discussions with global card networks such as Visa and Mastercard, while also navigating the regulatory approvals required for a local launch.
According to people familiar with the matter, Apple is targeting an initial rollout around June or July this year. However, the exact timing will depend on how quickly regulatory clearances are secured and commercial agreements are finalised. Industry executives said Apple is also negotiating fee structures with card issuers to enable access to its payment gateway. Apple Pay currently operates in 89 markets worldwide, with India seen as a key gap in its global payments presence.
Sources said Apple is expected to follow a phased rollout strategy in India. The first phase is likely to focus on contactless card-based payments using near-field communication (NFC). In a later stage, Apple Pay could integrate with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s widely used real-time payments system. This step would require a separate and more complex set of regulatory approvals.
People aware of the discussions added that Apple is unlikely to apply for a third-party application provider licence for UPI in the early phase. The UPI approval process involves a different regulatory framework and a payments architecture that differs significantly from traditional card-based systems.
Apple’s entry into India’s digital payments market comes as competition continues to grow. Samsung launched Samsung Wallet in India in 2022, offering a service that brings payments, card details, and utilities together within the “Samsung ecosystem.” The platform recently gained traction after adding UPI integration, helping Samsung strengthen its position in the market.
Apple Pay is operated by Apple Payments Services, a subsidiary of Apple. Once launched, Indian users will be able to add their credit and debit cards to Apple Wallet and make contactless payments by tapping compatible Apple devices on supported point-of-sale terminals. Currently, cards issued by Indian banks cannot be added to Apple Wallet.
The move aligns with the rapid growth of electronic payments in India, spanning cards, digital wallets, prepaid tools, and UPI. It also coincides with Apple’s expanding footprint in the country. In 2025, Apple recorded its highest-ever iPhone shipments in India, capturing an estimated 9–10% market share and placing it among the top 5 smartphone brands. Even before an official launch, several fintech firms have begun preparing for Apple Pay’s 2025 entry by enabling support for international transactions, signalling early confidence in its arrival.
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