Apple has brought back support for credit and debit card payments in India. Users can now make transactions on the App Store and iCloud once again. This development comes after nearly five years. The tech giant had stopped these payment options in 2021 following the Reserve Bank of India’s card tokenisation rules.
The company has reintroduced card payments after meeting the RBI’s requirements. Reports indicate that Apple is currently testing this feature with a small group of users. However, a wider rollout will take place over the coming months. Several staff members have already noticed the new payment options in their Apple accounts.
Customers can now add supported credit and debit cards easily. They can use these cards for App Store purchases, in-app transactions, Apple Music, iCloud+ subscriptions, and other Apple services. Previously, people relied mainly on UPI, net banking, or prepaid Apple ID balances.
Apple removed card payment support in India back in 2021. This change happened just before the RBI enforced its tokenisation mandate. The rules prevent merchants from storing actual card details. Instead, they must use unique tokens for security.
Under the new framework, only authorised card networks can store tokenised data. Moreover, this information must remain within India. Apple is expected to follow these guidelines strictly for its Indian users.
Despite this positive update, the company has not yet announced the launch of Apple Pay in the country. Earlier reports suggested delays due to discussions with banks. Lenders reportedly wanted a bigger share of transaction fees, which slowed down the process.
This move gives Indian users more convenient payment choices. It simplifies subscriptions and purchases across Apple services. Many customers will welcome the return of familiar card options.
Key Highlights
- Credit and debit cards now available for App Store and iCloud
- Compliance with RBI tokenisation rules
- Gradual rollout after initial testing
- No confirmation yet on Apple Pay launch
Apple continues to expand its services in the Indian market. Users can expect smoother transactions in the near future. Stay updated for further announcements from the company.
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