US-based Apple is reportedly in discussions with main Indian banks and world card networks because it prepares to launch Apple Pay in India, doubtlessly by mid to late 2026, in keeping with a Bloomberg report.

The report mentioned that the iPhone maker is in talks with ICICI Financial institution Ltd., HDFC Financial institution Ltd. and Axis Financial institution Ltd. for a doable rollout of its funds service within the nation. Additionally it is participating with Mastercard Inc. and Visa Inc. as a part of the plan.

In response to earlier stories, the rollout is predicted to occur in phases. Within the first stage, Apple Pay might give attention to card-based contactless funds. Customers would have the ability to add debit or bank cards issued by associate banks to Apple Pockets and make funds by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch on NFC-enabled point-of-sale terminals.

At the moment, playing cards issued in India can’t be added to Apple Pockets for home funds.

In later phases, Apple Pay is predicted to assist the UPI, which dominates the nation’s digital funds ecosystem, enabling prompt bank-to-bank transfers and invoice funds.

Nevertheless, stories counsel Apple might not instantly apply for a third-party app licence for UPI, because the regulatory course of is extra complicated than enabling card-based funds. Any UPI integration would require separate approvals from related authorities.

Apple can be mentioned to be in discussions with card issuers over the charges it will cost for entry to its funds infrastructure. Globally, Apple is understood to take a minimize of transactions routed by means of Apple Pay.

Apple Pay makes use of Face ID or Contact ID to authenticate transactions made in particular person by means of tap-to-pay, in addition to on web sites and apps.

Financially, Apple India reported a 16% year-on-year rise in internet revenue to Rs 3,196 crore in FY25. Working income elevated 19% to Rs 79,060.5 crore. Providers income, which incorporates Apple Care, technical assist and subscriptions, stood at Rs 4,380 crore through the 12 months.