Apple Pay India Launch 2026: Tap-to-Pay Feature Coming by Year-End

Apple Pay, Apple’s popular digital payments service, is reportedly set to launch in India by the end of 2026. The service, which is already available in 89 global markets, will bring tap-to-pay functionality to Indian users, allowing seamless contactless payments through iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple is said to be awaiting regulatory approval for the India rollout and is actively coordinating with banks, regulators, and card networks.

Apple Pay India Launch Timeline (Expected)

According to Business Standard, unnamed sources indicate that Apple aims to introduce Apple Pay in India by late 2026. Key points from the report include:

• Regulatory Approval: Apple is in talks with Indian authorities to secure the required permissions.

• Initial Focus: The service will primarily support card-based contactless payments, with UPI integration planned for later due to more complex regulatory requirements.

• Fee Structures: Apple is negotiating fees with card issuers and may not seek UPI TPAP approval during the initial rollout.

How Apple Pay Will Work in India

Once launched, Apple Pay in India is expected to offer:

• Tap-to-Pay on iPhone & Apple Watch: Users can make NFC-based contactless payments at compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

• Store and Online Payments: Apple Pay can be used at stores, restaurants, fuel stations, and within apps wherever Apple Pay is supported.

• Global Support: Already operational in 89 markets worldwide, Apple Pay partners with over 11,000 banks and network partners, including 20+ local payment networks.

Apple Pay vs Samsung Wallet in India

India’s digital payments space is already competitive:

• Samsung Wallet allows users to make NFC-based payments on compatible Samsung smartphones.

• The entry of Apple Pay is expected to increase competition, offering iPhone users a native Apple ecosystem solution for digital payments.

Apple Pay’s launch could drive more adoption of contactless payments and accelerate growth in India’s digital economy.

UPI Integration: What to Expect

• Apple Pay may integrate with UPI later, after regulatory clearance and technical alignment.

• Initially, the focus will remain on card-based payments, enabling iPhone and Apple Watch users to transact easily.

• Integration with UPI will make Apple Pay fully compatible with India’s dominant digital payment system, expanding its reach.

Conclusion

With Apple Pay expected to launch in India by the end of 2026, Indian iPhone and Apple Watch users will soon enjoy tap-to-pay convenience at both offline and online outlets. While card-based payments will lead the initial rollout, potential UPI integration in the future could make Apple Pay a key competitor to Samsung Wallet and other digital wallets. The move is likely to further boost contactless payments adoption in India, providing consumers with a secure and seamless payment experience.