Apple Inc. is reportedly in active discussions with major Indian banks and international card networks as it moves closer to introducing Apple Pay in India, the world’s most populous market.
According to sources familiar with the development, the iPhone maker is negotiating with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank, with a possible launch timeline aimed at mid-2026. Although the schedule is not yet final, the ongoing talks suggest that Apple’s plans to enter India’s digital payments space are gaining significant momentum.
Apple is also reportedly in talks with global payment giants Mastercard and Visa as part of its preparations for entering India’s digital payments market. The company chose not to comment on the developments, while representatives from the banks and card networks did not immediately respond to media inquiries.
If launched, Apple Pay would represent another significant milestone in Apple’s broader expansion strategy in India – a country with a population of over 1.4 billion and a fast-growing middle class. While Apple’s share of the smartphone market remains in the low double digits in a space largely dominated by more affordable Android devices, the tech giant has steadily strengthened its presence through increased local manufacturing and the expansion of its retail footprint across the country.