iPhone users in India may soon be able to use Apple Pay for tap-to-pay transactions, with a potential launch by the end of 2026. This would mark a significant expansion for the service in one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets.

Apple is reportedly in discussions with Indian regulators, banks, and card networks like Visa and Mastercard to facilitate the launch. The company is also said to be negotiating fee structures with card issuers. Regulatory approvals are still pending, and commercial agreements need to be finalized.

The initial rollout of Apple Pay in India is expected to focus on card-based contactless payments using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This would allow users to make payments by simply tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at compatible point-of-sale terminals. The service is also likely to include Apple's Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, enabling merchants to accept payments directly on their iPhones.

While the initial launch will likely focus on card-based payments, integration with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) may come later. UPI dominates digital payments in India, and deeper integration would be essential for Apple Pay to gain widespread adoption. However, integrating with UPI involves complex regulatory requirements, including obtaining a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license. Apple is unlikely to pursue this in the initial phase.

Apple's entry into the Indian digital payments market would put it in competition with established players like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, which have a strong foothold in the UPI ecosystem. Samsung Wallet, which already offers UPI integration, is another key competitor.

Currently, Indian-issued cards cannot be directly added to Apple Wallet, a necessary step for a full rollout. Apple Pay's presence in India is presently limited to cross-border payments, where Indian merchants can accept payments from international customers using Apple Pay.

The timing for a potential Apple Pay launch in India is favorable, as Apple has been experiencing strong growth in the country. The company recorded its highest-ever quarterly shipments in India during Q3 2025, securing fourth place in the market.

The launch of Apple Pay in India has faced previous hurdles, including data localization rules and technical challenges related to UPI integration. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) regulations on data storage have been a significant factor.

Despite these challenges, Apple appears to be making progress towards bringing Apple Pay to Indian users. If successful, it would provide iPhone users in India with a convenient and secure way to make payments.