Apple in Talks With Banks to Launch Apple Pay in India This Year

Apple is gearing up to make a major move in India’s rapidly growing digital payments landscape, with reports confirming that the tech giant is in advanced talks with some of the country’s largest banks to launch Apple Pay in mid-2026. This strategic expansion comes at a pivotal time for Apple, as the company continues to strengthen its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently in discussions with major Indian financial institutions, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank, to bring its popular mobile payment service to the country. These talks are part of a broader initiative to integrate Apple Pay with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the state-backed digital payments system that has revolutionized how millions of Indians transact daily.

The move aligns with earlier reports from Business Standard and The Times of India, which suggested that Apple Pay was preparing for a full-scale launch in India before the end of 2026. Apple is also collaborating with global payment networks Mastercard and Visa to ensure seamless integration with India’s existing financial infrastructure.

Apple Pay, which launched over a decade ago, is already available in 89 markets worldwide. Its arrival in India is particularly timely, given the country’s recent regulatory changes. In late 2025, India’s central bank approved new rules allowing biometric authentication methods such as Touch ID and Face ID for digital payments. This shift marks a significant departure from the previous reliance on one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS, making Apple Pay’s advanced security features a natural fit for the Indian market.

India’s digital payments ecosystem is dominated by UPI, which has become a cornerstone of the country’s financial technology revolution. With over 10 billion transactions processed monthly, UPI’s widespread adoption presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Apple. By integrating with UPI, Apple Pay is poised to offer Indian users a seamless, secure, and innovative payment experience that leverages the best of both worlds.

The timing of Apple Pay’s launch couldn’t be better for the company. In Q3 2025, Apple recorded its highest quarterly iPhone shipments in India, reaching 5 million units and securing fourth place in the market for the first time, according to IDC data. This milestone underscores Apple’s growing popularity among Indian consumers, who are increasingly drawn to the brand’s premium devices and ecosystem.

Apple’s retail expansion in India is also accelerating. The company recently opened its sixth store in Mumbai, further solidifying its presence in the country. These physical locations not only serve as sales hubs but also as experiential centers where customers can explore Apple’s products and services, including the upcoming Apple Pay.

The introduction of Apple Pay in India is expected to have a transformative impact on the country’s digital payments landscape. With its robust security features, user-friendly interface, and integration with UPI, Apple Pay could set a new standard for mobile payments in India. Moreover, it could encourage more consumers to adopt digital payments, further accelerating the country’s transition to a cashless economy.

As Apple prepares to roll out Apple Pay in India, the tech giant is also making headlines with other product announcements. Reports suggest that Apple plans to unveil at least five new products in the coming weeks, including potential updates to its iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineups. These launches, coupled with the introduction of Apple Pay, highlight Apple’s commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on emerging markets like India.

In conclusion, Apple’s plans to launch Apple Pay in India represent a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. By leveraging India’s thriving digital payments ecosystem and aligning with the country’s regulatory framework, Apple is well-positioned to capture a share of this lucrative market. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Apple to see how it navigates the complexities of India’s payments landscape and delivers a service that resonates with millions of users.

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