Apple Pay May Launch In India Next Month With Axis Bank Partnership: Report

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its Apple Pay service in India next month, with Axis Bank as its first banking partner, according to a Reuters report. Apple Pay will initially support Axis Bank credit cards, with plans to add more lenders over time through individual agreements. The US-based company has also engaged in discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank for the rollout, though those banks have yet to finalize terms.

Apple's entry into India, a major market where the service is currently unavailable, follows nearly a decade of efforts. The rollout has been delayed due to regulatory and technical challenges, including India's data localization requirements and integration with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Apple Pay enables users to make contactless payments using their iPhones or Apple Watches, with authentication via Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode.

The regulatory change allowing alternative authentication mechanisms, such as biometrics, has paved the way for Apple Pay's potential launch in India.