Apple Pay has operated in the United States since September 2014. The company later took the service to many other countries. India still does not have it. That gap stands out because digital payments in India have grown very fast.
A new report now points to an October launch. Reuters cited three people familiar with the talks. Those sources said Apple may start Apple Pay in India next month with Axis Bank. The first offering would cover tap-and-pay on Axis Bank credit cards only.
Axis Bank is based in Mumbai. It ranks among the country’s larger credit-card issuers. Apple is also speaking with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, according to the same report. Those two lenders have not accepted Apple’s commercial terms so far. Apple plans to add banks later through separate deals. That phased approach matches its rollout in other markets.
Apple has not confirmed the launch. HDFC Bank did not comment to Reuters. Axis Bank and ICICI Bank also declined to comment. Earlier stories had already placed a possible debut in the second half of 2026, around September or October. The new account fits those rumours. It remains unofficial until Apple or a bank announces it.
Other recent reporting said the first wave may support Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Apple has discussed how much it would earn from each contactless payment. After launch, users would add a compatible card to Apple Wallet. They could then pay at a point-of-sale terminal with an iPhone or Apple Watch. A separate payments app would not be required for that tap.
India’s market is still dominated by UPI. Apple Pay would enter as a card-based contactless option, not as a replacement for that rail. Details on banks, networks, and the exact date can still change.
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