Apple Pay could launch in India in October, according to separate accounts originating with Reuters and Bloomberg. The Times of India reported on 21 September that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expected the service to arrive the following month. The reports describe plans, rather than an announced launch.
Apple’s support page, updated on 9 September, does not list India among countries where participating issuers’ cards can be added. Its existing Asian markets include Singapore and Malaysia. Apple Pay supports payments in shops, apps and on the web.
BANK PARTNERS REMAIN UNCONFIRMED
Reuters reported on 18 September, citing three unnamed sources, that Axis Bank credit cards would be supported initially. Two sources said discussions with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank had not produced agreement on commercial terms.
Apple and HDFC did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Axis and ICICI declined to comment, the agency reported.
PAYMENT OPTIONS STILL UNCERTAIN
The accounts leave the initial payment options uncertain. The Times of India attributed expectations of support for India’s Unified Payments Interface to Gurman, while noting that Reuters’ account did not mention UPI in the first rollout. Neither account establishes an officially confirmed product specification.
An official announcement would need to confirm the launch date, eligible banks and whether UPI is included. Until then, October remains a reported target rather than an available service.