Apple Pay enters India, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users get new digital payment option

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Technology company Apple launched Apple Pay in India on Wednesday, giving users a new digital payment option on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. The company said support for Mac will also be introduced soon.

According to Apple, customers with Axis Bank Visa and Mastercard credit cards can add their cards to Apple Pay and use them at thousands of stores across India. The service can also be used at locations where NFC transactions are accepted.

Apple Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet Jennifer Bailey said India has a dynamic and digitally aware population that is increasingly adopting a cashless future while expecting high standards of security and privacy. She said the company was excited to bring Apple Pay to India.

With the launch, Apple users can make payments at stores, apps and websites with a simple, secure and private method. Users will not need to enter a PIN or OTP during checkout.

Apple Pay designed to keep card details secure

Jennifer Bailey said Apple Pay is designed to make everyday card payments easier, secure and private. Users can make contactless payments at stores by simply tapping their device without needing an additional app, PIN or OTP. For online purchases, they can complete checkout without repeatedly entering their card details.

When customers use a card through Apple Pay, the actual card number is not stored on the device or Apple's servers, and Apple does not share it with merchants.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is created. It is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to protect payment information on the device.

Apple said it does not retain transaction information that can be linked to a user. Transactions remain between the user, merchant and the user's bank or card issuer.

If an iPhone is lost or stolen, users can use the Find My app to locate and lock the device or suspend payments on it.

Cards can be added through Axis Bank app or Apple Wallet

Customers can add eligible cards directly to Apple Wallet through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Alternatively, they can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the plus sign and follow the instructions to add their card.

Once the card has been added to an Apple device, users can start using Apple Pay.

Axis Bank MD and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry said the launch of Apple Pay supports the bank's objective of providing its credit card customers on the Mastercard and Visa networks with greater choice and flexibility.

Visa and Mastercard welcome Apple Pay launch

Mastercard President, India and South Asia, Gautam Aggarwal said the launch of Apple Pay for Axis Bank Mastercard credit cardholders comes as India's digital economy continues to expand and customers seek convenient and secure payment options.

Visa Group Country Manager, India and South Asia, Suresh Sethi said the launch of Apple Pay in India marks an important milestone in the country's digital payments journey.

Users will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their cards when making payments through Apple Pay. At launch, Apple Pay will be accepted at millions of merchants across India, including Apple Stores.

Apple Pay is currently available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with over 11,000 banks and network partners worldwide.