Apple Pay India Launch Set for October With Axis Bank Cards

Apple prepares to launch Apple Pay in India next month with Axis Bank credit cards, while discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank continue to expand banking support in the country's UPI-dominated payments market.

Apple is set to introduce its digital payment platform Apple Pay in India starting next month with compatibility for credit cards from Axis Bank, as per three people privy to the development. This move comes as Apple makes an attempt to enter one of the largest markets for digital payments, which has not seen the launch of Apple Pay yet.

The launch is likely to commence with one big banking partner for now. Additionally, Apple has held talks with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank about the inclusion of cards, but these banks have not entered into any commercial arrangement with the tech firm, sources cited by Reuters reveal. Neither Apple nor HDFC Bank has commented on their negotiations, while Axis Bank and ICICI Bank have chosen to stay mum.

Also read: India, Nepal Plan New Push on Trade, Energy and Connectivity

Apple Pay allows users with iPhones to pay using their contactless payment method. They do not need to open another application to pay but use authentication services available on their device from Apple. Apple Pay is anticipated to adopt a phased approach for India, and it will involve partnerships with banks individually.

Axis Bank is ranked fourth among all the credit card issuing banks in India. As per the RBI report, the bank has issued approximately 16.26 million credit cards as of July 2026, making it one of the top four after HDFC Bank, SBI Cards, and ICICI Bank.

The India payments push from Apple occurs at a time when the firm is trying to grow its footprint in India's smartphone industry. The firm's market share in India's smartphone industry has risen from 4% in 2022 to 8%, according to Counterpoint Research.

Also read: How AI Is Reinventing the Future of Manufacturing

Nevertheless, Apple Pay was launched within a digital payments landscape that is highly influenced by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is indigenous to India. The UPI system accepts payments using QR codes, phone numbers, and other forms of digital payment systems and accounts for around 84% of the digital transactions carried out in India, as per the Reuters report.

Regulatory changes have also aided the launch process. The Reserve Bank of India permits the use of biometrics in card-based transactions; hence, Apple Pay can utilise authentication options such as Face ID and Touch ID with Indian bank cards.