Apple Pay became available in India on September 30, 2026, with support initially for eligible Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards. It gives compatible Apple devices a way to pay at participating contactless terminals and supported app and web checkouts; it does not replace UPI’s bank-to-bank payment path.
What Apple announced for India
Apple says Apple Pay is available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Mac support is described as coming soon, so it is not part of the announced availability at launch. Apple initially named Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards as eligible. Card rewards and benefits continue to apply, according to Apple.
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Apple lists iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later, and Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later when paired with an iPhone XR or later. The announcement does not specify iPad model requirements. Card and device eligibility can change; check Apple’s current India eligibility page before trying to add a card.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow Apple Pay compares with UPI
The key difference is how each payment is funded and routed: Apple Pay’s announced India launch is card-based, while UPI enables instant bank-to-bank payments. They overlap at some checkout counters, but they are not interchangeable in every situation.
#1 Best Overall
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
- Accept contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere, with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Pay one low rate for every tap or dip.
- No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees- and with offline payments, keep taking payments for up to 24 hours.
- Safely and securely accepts payments anywhere. Plus, get data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment-dispute management at no extra cost.
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
| What to compare | Apple Pay in India at launch | UPI |
|---|---|---|
| Payment path | Payment with an eligible card added to Apple Pay; Apple initially named Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. | Instant bank-to-bank payment. |
| What you need | A compatible Apple device and an eligible card. | Access to UPI through a participating bank or payment app. |
| Where it works | Participating contactless terminals and supported app or web checkouts. | Merchants and services that accept UPI. |
| Checkout flow | Authenticate on an Apple device and present it at an enabled contactless terminal, or choose Apple Pay at a supported digital checkout. | Pay through the UPI flow offered by the bank or payment app and merchant. |
UPI’s scale is clear in the dated figures: NPCI reports 22,716.07 million transactions worth ₹2,892,138.67 crore in June 2026. Separately, a 2026 Press Information Bureau release, citing the IMF’s June 2025 report, says UPI accounted for nearly 49% of global real-time payment transaction volume in 2024. That 2024 figure is not a 2026 market-share estimate. UPI launched in 2016 under NPCI and RBI oversight.
These figures describe UPI activity, not Apple Pay’s prospective adoption. The available launch information does not establish Apple Pay’s India fees, adoption forecasts, fraud rates, or a full technical comparison with UPI.
Rank #2
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Get set up quickly with no long-term commitments. Download the Square Point of Sale app for free, create an account, and start taking payments anywhere.
- Run your business all in one place with the free Square Point of Sale app. Track your sales, manage inventory, accept tips, send receipts digitally, and more.
- Works with Apple devices with a Lightning connector.
How to pay with Apple Pay
In a store with iPhone or Apple Watch
- At an enabled contactless terminal, double-click the iPhone’s side button or Home button.
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode if prompted.
- Hold the top of the iPhone near the contactless reader. On Apple Watch, double-click the side button and hold the display near the reader.
These are Apple’s stated in-store steps. A compatible device alone does not guarantee acceptance: the merchant must have an enabled contactless terminal.
In an app or on the web
At a supported checkout, choose Apple Pay and follow the on-device prompts. Apple says supported iPhone and iPad users can pay without re-entering card, contact, and shipping details each time. Availability depends on the checkout supporting Apple Pay.
Rank #3
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
Where it works—and what to check first
Apple says Apple Pay works at millions of merchants and names Apple Store locations, Blinkit, Chaayos, Croma, Ixigo, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg, and Zomato as examples. The list is not a guarantee that every outlet, terminal, app, or web checkout for those businesses accepts it.
- Confirm your card is currently eligible with Apple and your issuing bank.
- Look for Apple Pay at the specific app or web checkout, or confirm that the store terminal accepts contactless payments through Apple Pay.
- If you need to pay directly from a bank account, or the merchant does not support Apple Pay, use another accepted payment method such as UPI where available.
Does Apple Pay support UPI?
Apple’s India launch announcement describes eligible payment cards and does not announce UPI support. The announced launch should therefore be understood as card-based, not as a way to make UPI bank-to-bank payments. The announcement makes no claim about future UPI support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Case Set for Square Card Reader (2nd gen): Protect your card reader while giving it a dedicated spot on your counter, with magnetic docking that allows easy removal when needed.
- Durable, Drop-Resistant Case: TPU construction with silicone grip and a raised lip around the tap surface provides shock absorption and added protection, with precise cutouts for the charging port, card slot, and battery indicator button.
- Non-Slip Dock: Soft-touch stand with built-in magnets and a rubber base keeps the reader stable and secure on any surface.
- Fast, Flexible Mounting: The magnetic case stays on your Square reader and snaps on or off the display stand in seconds — ideal for quickly switching between countertop and handheld use. Compatible with MagSafe for a convenient phone mounting option.
- Compatible Model: Square Card Reader 2nd generation (USB-C)
Rank #4
- Pay one transparent rate per swipe for Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
- Works in conjunction with most downloadable Square point-of-sale apps on your device. Customers can pay, tip and sign directly on your device. Track payments in cash, gift cards and more. Also lets you send receipts via e-mail or text message, makes it easy to apply discounts, keeps a data and sales history log and more.
- Accepts magstripe credit card payments, including those from Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express (fees apply).
- App sends deposits to your bank account within 1 to 2 business days, or enjoy instant deposits (fees apply).
Sources
- Apple’s India launch announcement, September 30, 2026.
- Apple Pay participating banks and card issuers in India.
- TechCrunch’s report on the India launch and UPI comparison.
- NPCI UPI product statistics.
- Press Information Bureau release on UPI, citing the IMF’s June 2025 report.
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