Apple Pay Does Not Work in India because it is not compatible with India’s payment system. iPhone users cannot use it for contactless payments, UPI, or cards from Indian banks, making it more than a minor inconvenience.
The issue arises from Apple’s strict control over NFC access and India’s reliance on UPI and local regulations, which do not align with Apple Pay.
Let’s have a closer look at why Apple Pay is not available in India and what you can do as an iPhone user in India.
Apple Pay In India: Key Takeaways
- In 2026, Apple Pay will be unavailable in India, so iPhone users cannot utilize it for UPI, contactless transactions, or Indian bank cards.
- The primary obstacles are RBI regulations, India’s UPI-centered payment system, and Apple’s tight control over NFC in iPhones.
- Indian banks and vendors do not support Apple Pay, and Indian cards cannot be incorporated into the Apple Wallet.
- iPhone users in India depend on UPI applications, banking apps, and digital wallets, which effectively address most daily payment requirements.
- Apple Pay may launch in India if Apple grants NFC access and collaborates closely with banks and regulators, though this remains uncertain in the short term.
Is Apple Pay Available In India? (2026 Update)
As of 2026, Apple Pay is not available in India. iPhone users cannot add Indian cards, use NFC tap-to-pay, make in-app purchases, or access UPI and Apple Pay Cash.
This is because India’s payment system, centered on UPI, differs from those in markets like the US or the UK.
Regulations from the Reserve Bank of India and the UPI-first environment create structural barriers, keeping Apple Pay out of the country.
Why Apple Pay Does Not Work In India
Apple Pay failing to launch in a market as large as India is unusual, especially since India is Apple’s fastest-growing iPhone market. However, the issue isn’t demand; it’s regulation, technology, and ecosystem compatibility.
Let’s break down the main reasons.
1. RBI Regulations On Tokenized Payments
The Reserve Bank of India mandates specific rules for tokenized card transactions.
While Apple Pay is a tokenized payment system, it doesn’t fully meet India’s requirements without modification, especially regarding:
- Data localization
- Token vault access
- Bank-mediated authorization
- Local card network partnerships
Indian banks can only work with tokenization partners approved within India’s regulatory framework. Apple hasn’t yet established those partnerships or adapted its system for them.
2. Apple’s Closed NFC System
The NFC (Near Field Communication) chip in iPhones is tightly controlled. Only Apple Pay is allowed access to the NFC controller for contactless card payments.
In India, regulators and banks expect NFC capabilities to be open for:
- Tap-to-pay UPI apps
- Tap-to-pay bank apps
- Card tokenization apps
- Wallet apps
- Transit payments
Android devices support these features because they allow third-party NFC access. Apple, however, restricts NFC to Apple Pay only.
This means UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm cannot offer tap-to-pay on iPhones, and bank apps cannot provide contactless card payments.
Merchants also cannot accept NFC transactions on iPhones using Indian cards. India’s payment system relies on QR-based UPI and open NFC access, which do not work with Apple’s closed system approach.
3. Lack of Indian Bank Partnerships
Apple Pay requires active partnerships with Indian banks, card networks, payment gateways, and merchant acquirers.
These partnerships are usually the foundation for Apple Pay launches in new markets.
Indian banks, however, prioritize UPI, Rupay debit cards, QR code payments, and tokenized card transactions through their own apps.
For Apple Pay to work in India, banks would need to support:
- Apple’s tokenization system
- Apple’s NFC framework
- Apple’s merchant transaction fees
Given India’s zero MDR (zero merchant fee) environment for UPI, Apple Pay’s commercial model becomes difficult to implement.
Other Payment Options Apple Users Can Use In India
While Apple Pay isn’t available, iPhone users in India still enjoy a robust, fast, and secure digital payments ecosystem. Here are the main alternatives.
1. UPI Apps
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is the backbone of digital payments in India and is far more widely accepted than Apple Pay worldwide.
Popular UPI apps include:
- PhonePe
- Google Pay (GPay)
- Paytm
- BHIM App
- Amazon Pay UPI
- Bank-specific UPI apps
UPI works with QR codes, UPI IDs, mobile numbers, in-app payments, and online checkouts. UPI does not require NFC, so it works flawlessly on iPhones.
2. Debit & Credit Cards via Bank Apps
Most banks allow you to view cards, use card-on-file payments, authorize online transactions, and manage tokenized cards within apps.
iPhone users can safely use their cards for:
- E-commerce transactions
- OTP based authentication
- Saved card tokenization
While this doesn’t replicate Apple Pay’s tap-to-pay experience, it enables full digital card functionality.
3. Third-Party Wallets and Apps
Some wallets supported in India include Paytm Wallet, Amazon Pay Wallet, and Mobikwik.
These work for mobile recharges, utility payments, merchant payments, and online checkouts. However, none of these replicate Apple Pay’s NFC capabilities.
Can You Still Use Apple Pay In India?
In certain limited cases, yes, but with significant restrictions.
You can use Apple Pay in India if:
- You have a foreign-issued debit or credit card (US, UK, EU, etc.)
- You are making online purchases on international websites or apps that support Apple Pay.
- You are using foreign subscription services that accept Apple Pay.
Will Apple Pay Come To India In The Future?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions among Indian iPhone users. Here are the key factors that will determine Apple Pay’s future in India.
- Apple Would Need to Open NFC Access
For India, regulators expect open NFC standards compatible with UPI tap-to-pay, card tokenization, transit payments, and banking apps. Unless Apple loosens its NFC restrictions, even a partial launch of Apple Pay becomes extremely difficult. - UPI Integration Could Happen:
If Apple allows UPI apps limited NFC access, Apple Pay could work alongside tap-to-pay UPI, QR-based UPI, and tokenized card payments. There have been discussions about UPI expanding internationally, and a collaboration between Apple and NPCI could enable Apple Pay to integrate UPI directly, though this remains speculative. - Partnerships with Indian Banks Are Essential:
Apple must collaborate with major banks like HDFC, SBI, and ICICI to launch Apple Pay. Banks would need to support Apple Pay’s tokenization and share transaction responsibilities.
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Conclusion: Apple Pay Isn’t Available In India Yet
Apple Pay remains unavailable in India due to regulatory limits, Apple’s tight control over NFC, and the dominance of UPI in the payments system.
That said, iPhone users are not at a disadvantage. UPI apps, bank apps, and card payments already handle most everyday transactions smoothly.
Whether Apple Pay ever launches depends on Apple opening NFC access and working closely with Indian banks and regulators.
Until then, UPI will continue to be the primary payment method for iPhone users and one of the world’s most advanced real-time payment systems.
FAQs
No. Apple Pay does not support Indian debit or credit cards.
Yes, but only for online purchases on international platforms. You cannot use it in Indian stores.
No. Apple Pay does not integrate with UPI.
No, because Apple restricts NFC access to Apple Pay, which isn’t available in India.
Possibly, but it requires regulatory compliance, bank partnerships, and changes to Apple’s NFC policies.
UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM offer the fastest and most widely accepted payment options.
