Apple Pay Reportedly Set to Launch in India Next Month With Axis Bank
Apple Pay could finally be coming to India, with Axis Bank expected to be the first banking partner when the service begins its reported rollout next month.
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its Apple Pay payment service in India in October 2026, initially supporting credit cards issued by Axis Bank, according to a Reuters report published on September 18. The report cited three people familiar with the discussions.
The potential launch would mark Apple's entry into one of the world's largest digital payments markets, where Apple Pay has so far not been available.
Axis Bank Expected to Be First Partner
According to Reuters, Apple is expected to begin the India rollout with Axis Bank credit cards. Axis Bank had around 16.26 million active credit cards in July, based on Reserve Bank of India data cited in the report.
Apple has also held discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank about supporting Apple Pay. However, commercial terms with those banks have not yet been finalised, Reuters reported.
Apple, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank did not provide confirmation of the reported launch arrangements to Reuters.
How Apple Pay Could Work in India
Apple Pay allows users to make contactless payments by adding eligible payment cards to Apple Wallet. Card details are tokenised and stored securely on the device, allowing users to authenticate transactions using features such as Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode.
The reported India rollout would therefore be different from the country's UPI-based payment system. Instead of directly linking a bank account for a UPI transaction, users would add a supported bank card to their Apple Wallet.
Apple Enters a UPI-Dominated Market
Apple Pay would enter an Indian digital payments ecosystem where UPI already plays a major role.
Reuters reported that UPI accounts for about 84% of India's digital payment volume. The system supports payments through QR codes, phone numbers and other methods, including tap-and-pay capabilities.
Apple's reported entry would add another contactless payment option for iPhone users, while the initial service would depend on participating banks and supported cards.
More Banks Could Follow
Apple reportedly plans to expand Apple Pay support through individual agreements with additional banks after the initial rollout.
HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are among the institutions that Apple has reportedly discussed the service with, although agreements with those banks had not been finalised at the time of the Reuters report.
For Indian iPhone users, the next major question will be which cards and banks are officially supported when Apple makes its announcement.
What Happens Next?
The reported October 2026 launch has not been officially announced by Apple. Therefore, the exact launch date, supported cards and the list of participating banks could still change.
If Apple confirms the service, India would become a significant new market for Apple Pay and the rollout could gradually expand beyond its initial banking partner.
Islam Global News will continue to follow the Apple Pay India rollout and provide updates as Apple and participating banks release official information.
