Apple Pay launched in India, here is how you can use it on your iPhone

Apple has finally launched Apple Pay in India, over a decade after the service was rolled out in the US. From today, September 30, you can use Apple Pay to make payments in India via your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Though at the moment, the support is limited to Axis Bank-issued Visa or Mastercard credit cards.

The company says that Apple Pay will cater to Indian users who are increasingly adopting digital payments. In this aspect, Apple Pay could be a convenient option as it does not require OTPs or PINs at checkout. “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,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryWhat is Apple Pay?Apple Pay is the Cupertino giant’s secure payment service. Globally, you can add your credit or debit cards to the service. In the US, users also get the option to use Apple Cash to make payments. Unlike net banking, for instance, Apple Pay does not need you to enter an OTP or PIN while making a purchase. Instead, the payment is authenticated on your device itself, allowing for a more seamless process.

In India, Apple Pay is currently limited to Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Axis Bank. Though, Apple is expected to expand support to other banks in the near future. Apple Pay is entering the Indian market at a time when UPI has already seen widespread adoption. However, the merchant discount rate, or MDR, on UPI has sparked speculation over some users potentially switching to other options.

Setting up Apple Pay in India is straightforward. You can add an eligible card through the Wallet app on your iPhone. In the Wallet app, you simply need to click on the plus sign and then follow the steps. Alternatively, you can also add your card via the Axis Bank app. Once the card is added, you can use Apple Pay right away.

If you are making a purchase offline using Apple Pay, you need to double click the side button or home button, and then authenticate via Face ID, Touch ID or your device’s passcode. You can then hold the top of the iPhone or display of the Apple Watch near the contactless reader to pay.

Apple Pay can also be used in supported apps and on websites, so you do not have to repeatedly enter card details, or other information. Using Apple Pay will also let you continue to receive the rewards and benefits linked to their cards.

Eligible iPhones for Apple Pay include iPhone XR and later that are running at least iOS 18. It is also available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later with watchOS 11 or later.

At launch, Apple Pay will be accepted by merchants including Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato, with more merchants and apps expected over time. Globally, Apple Pay has over 11,000 bank and network partners in more than 90 countries.- EndsAlso Read | iPhone 18 Pro is made in India, Apple shipping globally including US on charter planesAlso Read | UPI payments will be chargeable from October 15, but not for everyone: Full story in 5 pointsAlso Read | India may ban social media for teens, other countries are trying too but it's complicated

Armaan loves to keep an eye on everything happening in the world of tech and AI. You will find him testing new gadgets, exploring the latest LLMs and making sense of the emerging tech. When not working around tech, he will be exploring new music or catching up on motorsport or aviation.