India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Apple Pay has arrived in India, offering users of iPhones and Apple Watches yet another option for making card payments. Initially, Apple Pay in India will be available with Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank, with other banks expected to follow.
First-time users will need to do some setup before they can start using Apple Pay.
Apple Pay has launched in India for iPhones (XR+) and Apple Watches (Series 6+), supporting Visa and Mastercard credit cards primarily from Axis Bank. Users can add cards through the Wallet app or Axis Bank App for secure contactless payments in stores and online.
Step 1: Check eligibility
Apple Pay is available on iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. It is also available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later.
Step 2: Add a card
Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the “+” to set up a card. You can follow the prompts to add an eligible credit card issued by Axis Bank or alternatively, Axis Bank customers may also use the Axis Bank App to add an eligible card.
Step 3: Verify card
Follow the prompts to verify your card. Once you’ve successfully added your card to Wallet, you can use Apple Pay to make payments.
Step 4: Pay at stores
When making payments at a store that supports contactless payments, double-click the side button of your iPhone and authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode. Then hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless payment terminal till the transaction is complete.
Apple Watch users can launch the Apple Pay from the watch and activate their payment card. Then, hold the display of the Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
Step 5: Use Apple Pay on websites and apps
Apple Pay can also be used on websites and apps that support Apple Pay as a mode of payment. Instead of filling details of your card, you can authenticate payments made using Apple Pay from your device.
Where can I use Apple Pay?
Apple Pay is available at a number of merchants and services at launch, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Croma, Zomato, Tata 1mg, Ixigo, Chaayos and a number of Reliance brands. This list is expected to grow.
Apple has stated that Apple Pay aims to make card payments more convenient while still keeping the authentication secure on the user’s device. However, Indian users should note that UPI remains separate from Apple Pay and that initially Apple Pay will be available only with credit cards issued by Axis Bank.
