Apple is reportedly in discussions with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank to introduce its digital payment service in India, with a potential rollout targeted for mid-2026. According to people familiar with the development, the tech giant is exploring partnerships with major Indian banks to integrate its payment platform into the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Apple plans India payment service launch via partnerships with ICICI, HDFC and Axis Bank.
• Move signals aggressive push into India’s booming digital payments and fintech ecosystem.

The move signals Apple’s growing focus on India, one of the world’s fastest-growing digital payments markets, driven largely by UPI-based transactions and increasing smartphone adoption. By collaborating with leading financial institutions, Apple aims to tailor its payment solution to suit local regulations, consumer behavior, and infrastructure requirements.

If implemented, Apple’s payment service could significantly enhance its ecosystem offerings in India, allowing users to make seamless transactions through iPhones and other Apple devices. The initiative may also intensify competition in India’s already crowded fintech and digital payments space, currently dominated by domestic and global players.

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The discussions remain at a preliminary stage, and final details regarding structure, technology integration, and regulatory approvals are still being worked out. However, the development underscores Apple’s long-term commitment to expanding its services footprint in the Indian market.