Apple Pay May Launch in India in October, Could Initially Support Axis Bank Credit Cards
UdaipurTimes, September 20, 2026 | Technology Updates: Apple's popular payment service, Apple Pay, may soon enter India's rapidly growing digital payment market. Despite long-standing speculation about its arrival, Apple has not yet officially launched the service in the country. However, a new report claims that the Cupertino-based tech giant could launch Apple Pay in India as early as October. Initially, the service might support Axis Bank credit cards.
Potential Launch of Apple Pay in India in October
A Reuters report, citing three sources familiar with the matter, claims that Apple plans to launch Apple Pay in India this October. In the initial phase, the company may introduce a "tap-and-pay" service through a partnership with Axis Bank.
This means users could add compatible Axis Bank credit cards to their Apple Wallet and make direct payments at store terminals using an iPhone or Apple Watch, without opening a separate app. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the launch. Therefore, the potential October launch is currently based on reports from sources and not an official announcement.
Discussions with HDFC and ICICI Banks
The report also claims that, in addition to Axis Bank, Apple is in talks with other major banks and financial institutions in India, including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. However, according to the report, these two banks have not yet agreed to the commercial terms proposed by Apple. As a result, the service could initially launch with Axis Bank credit cards.
Apple may add more banks to the Apple Pay ecosystem in the future, with plans to sign separate agreements with each bank. The company might follow a strategy similar to the phased rollout of banks it has used in other global markets.
Potential Launch with Visa and Mastercard
Previous reports suggest that the initial version of Apple Pay in India could support credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding revenue-sharing arrangements between Apple and major Indian credit card issuers. The revenue-sharing model for contactless transactions made through Apple Pay is expected to be an important part of these discussions.
Payments via iPhone and Apple Watch
Once Apple Pay launches in India, it could offer a new contactless payment option for iPhone and Apple Watch users. Users may be able to add supported credit cards to Apple Wallet and make payments at retail point-of-sale (POS) terminals using their devices.
UPI currently plays a major role in India's digital payment landscape. It remains to be seen how Apple Pay will establish its presence in this market. Its popularity among existing Apple device users could be an important factor.
Apple Pay Was Launched in 2014
Apple first introduced Apple Pay in September 2014. Over the past decade, the service has expanded to several countries worldwide. However, Apple has not yet officially launched Apple Pay in India's digital payment market.
Previous reports suggested that Apple Pay could launch in India during the second half of 2026, particularly in September or October. The latest report pointing to a potential October launch is in line with those earlier reports.
However, until Apple makes an official announcement, the launch date and list of supported banks and cards cannot be confirmed. Indian users will have to wait for further information from the company.
