Apple launches Apple Pay in India

By Divya Shah

Apple launched Apple Pay in India, bringing its digital payments service to users across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, with Mac support set to follow. 

The launch enabled customers with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards to add their cards to Apple Pay and make contactless payments at merchants across India, as well as anywhere NFC transactions are accepted. The service also allowed users to make payments in stores, within apps and online without entering PINs or one-time passwords (OTPs) at checkout. 

The introduction of Apple Pay forms part of its efforts to provide a secure, private and seamless payment experience for users in India’s growing digital payments market. 

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, said, “India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today. Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information.” 

Apple said security and privacy remained central to the service. Customer card numbers are not stored on users’ devices or Apple servers and are not shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and stored within the device’s Secure Element chip. 

The company also noted that transaction information cannot be linked back to individual users by Apple. In the event a device is lost or stolen, customers can use the Find My app to locate, lock or suspend payments from the device. 

In addition to in-store purchases, Apple Pay enabled users to make payments on iPhone and iPad apps and websites without repeatedly entering contact, payment or shipping details. Customers continued to receive rewards and benefits associated with their existing payment cards. 

At launch, Apple Pay was accepted by millions of merchants across India, including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.  

Apple also partnered with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to extend Apple Pay acceptance across merchant networks. 

Apple said Apple Pay is now available in more than 90 countries and regions and supports over 11,000 banking and network partners worldwide.