If you’re an iPhone user in India, you’ve probably watched friends abroad pay with a simple tap and wondered when your turn would come. Well, the wait is over. Apple Pay is now live in India on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, and Mac users won’t be left out for long.
The best part is that you can say goodbye to PIN and OTP. Just tap and pay in stores, in your favorite apps, while shopping online or at any contactless card machine.
Who can use Apple Pay now?
There is a catch. For now, Apple Pay only works with Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. If you have one, you can add it from the updated Axis Bank app. You can also go to the wallet app, tap the plus icon, and follow the instructions.
Your iPhone must be an iPhone XR or newer running iOS 18, while Apple Watch owners need a Series 6 or newer running watchOS 11. To use Apple Pay, press the side button twice, verify it’s you with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode, and bring your phone close to the card machine.
Many popular names already accept it, including Apple Stores, Zomato, Blinkit, Croma, Chaayos, Tata 1mg, and Reliance brands. Apple also works with payment companies like Razorpay, Paytm, and PayU, so the list should continue to grow.
Is Apple Pay safe to use?
Security is where Apple Pay really shines. Apple doesn’t store your real card number on your iPhone or its servers, and stores never get to see it. Instead, your device uses a unique encrypted stand-in number that stays locked in a special security chip.
Your purchase history also stays private because Apple doesn’t keep any payment records associated with you. If you misplace your iPhone, open Find My to lock it and stop anyone from paying with it.
Should you set it up today?
A bank limited, and I hope that more will join soon. Apple Pay already works in over 90 countries and regions, so India’s arrival feels long overdue. If you carry an Axis Bank credit card, load it today and go through checkout.