GoKawiilApple Pay launches in India, limited to Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard cards
Apple Pay has become available in India after more than a decade of delay, but only for Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Cards from other major banks like SBI and HDFC, as well as India's RuPay network, aren't yet supported, and the service only works at terminals enabled for it. Apple says millions of merchants including Zomato, Croma and its own stores will accept it at launch.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
TechCrunch reports Apple is seeking a 0.2 percent fee per transaction, and negotiations with other banks over these terms may explain the narrow rollout so far. Wider bank support and RuPay compatibility would likely be needed for Apple Pay to gain real traction in a market still dominated by Android and cash-based UPI payments. The launch also comes as Counterpoint Research tells CNBC that Apple's market share in India could reach 10 percent this year, suggesting the company sees growing incentive to build out its services ecosystem there.
- Apple Pay in India currently works only with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
- RuPay and other major banks like SBI and HDFC are not yet supported, with terms still under negotiation.
- Analysts expect Apple's smartphone market share in India to approach 10 percent this year.
Apple iPhone 15 — With Apple Pay now live in India, an iPhone is the easiest way to start using contactless payments at supported merchants like Croma and Zomato. It brings Apple's secure, tap-to-pay experience together with Face ID authentication for fast, safe checkouts.”}
See Apple iPhone 15 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Mariella Moon, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “Apple Pay finally arrives in India on a limited basis”
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