Apple Pay Launching in India
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jan 21, 2026 · Last updated Jan 22, 2026
The launch of Apple Inc. in India by Apple Inc. is expected to intensify competition in the digital payments market, potentially impacting existing players like Alphabet Inc., Walmart — PhonePe, and Paytm. It also signifies Apple Inc.'s strategic expansion into India's services sector, which could boost its revenue streams from the region.
Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to launch its digital payments service, Apple Inc., in India by the end of 2026. This move marks Apple Inc.'s first major push into India's rapidly expanding digital payments market. The company is currently in talks with global card networks such as Visa Inc. and Mastercard, as well as Indian regulators, including the State Bank of India, to secure the necessary approvals. The initial rollout of Apple Inc. will focus on card-based contactless payments, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to link their debit or credit cards to Apple Wallet and make payments at NFC-enabled terminals. This phased approach will initially avoid integration with India's dominant Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, which presents complex technical and regulatory challenges, though UPI integration remains a future possibility. The launch aligns with Apple Inc.'s broader strategy to grow its services business in India, a market where it has seen record iPhone shipments and is expanding its manufacturing and retail presence. Apple Inc. will compete with established players like Alphabet Inc., Walmart — PhonePe, and Paytm, which currently dominate India's digital payments landscape.
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