Apple Inc.’s digital payments service Apple Pay is expected to make its debut in India by late 2026, as the company looks to strengthen its ecosystem play in one of its fastest-growing markets. The move is aligned with Apple’s broader expansion strategy in the country, supported by rising iPhone shipments and increasing demand for premium devices.

According to a Business Standard report, Apple Pay is preparing for an India launch subject to regulatory approvals and commercial clearances. The company has reportedly been in discussions with Indian regulators, banks and global card networks to put the necessary framework in place. Apple Pay, which is already available in 89 countries, could roll out in India once these approvals and partnerships are finalised.

When launched, Apple Pay is expected to support contactless “tap-to-pay” transactions, allowing users to make payments by tapping their Apple devices on NFC-enabled point-of-sale terminals. Users will be able to store their credit and debit card details securely in Apple Wallet, enabling card-based payments without the need to physically swipe a card.

At present, Apple Wallet in India does not allow users to add credit or debit cards, which has kept Apple Pay out of the market. A key part of the rollout will involve finalising commercial arrangements with major card issuers, including transaction fee structures for the payment gateway.

Apple Pay is operated by Apple Payments Services, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., and works exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, including iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and Macs. This makes it structurally different from India’s leading digital payment apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm, which are built on the UPI framework and support a wide range of devices across platforms.

Industry watchers note that Apple Pay’s device exclusivity and the dominance of UPI-based payments could limit its mass adoption in India. However, Apple’s growing user base may provide a strong foundation for the service. The company recorded its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India in the September 2025 quarter, reaching around 5 million units, according to IDC data, signalling a steadily expanding addressable market for Apple Pay in the country.