Apple Pay likely to launch in India by end-2026: report
Apple appears to be edging closer to launching Apple Pay in India, with multiple reports suggesting the digital payments service could go live by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and commercial agreements falling into place.
According to a report by Business Standard, Apple is currently in discussions with banks, regulators, and global card networks such as Visa and Mastercard to bring Apple Pay to the Indian market. Separate reporting by Moneycontrol echoes this, adding that Apple is also negotiating fee structures with card issuers for access to its payment gateway. Queries sent to Apple India and card networks reportedly did not receive a response.
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Once launched, Apple Pay is expected to support contactless, card-based payments using near-field communication, allowing users to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at compatible point-of-sale terminals. The service is also likely to include Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, which turns the phone itself into a payment terminal for merchants. However, Indian-issued cards cannot currently be added to Apple Wallet, and that will need to change before a full rollout.
The initial launch is expected to be phased. Industry sources indicate Apple will focus first on card-based payments, while integration with the Unified Payments Interface may come later. Apple is unlikely to apply for a third-party application provider licence for UPI in the first phase, as the approval process and underlying architecture are more complex than card networks. For now, UPI remains dominated by players such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.
Apple’s entry would put it directly against Samsung Wallet, which has been live in India since 2022 and has gained traction through UPI integration. Samsung’s approach of combining payments, cards, and services within its ecosystem has helped it build relevance in a market where UPI drives most daily transactions.
This comes at a time when Apple recorded its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India, in Q3 2025, reaching around 5 million units and breaking into the top five smartphone brands for the first time, as per IDC data. With its installed base expanding, Apple has more room to introduce localised services that deepen user engagement.
Apple Pay’s value will initially be highest for users who rely on credit and debit cards or frequently make international payments. For everyday UPI-heavy spending, the experience may feel limited until deeper integration arrives. Still, tighter iOS integration, a clean interface, and Apple’s focus on security could help Apple Pay find its place alongside India’s existing payment apps rather than replace them outright.
