Apple eyes mid-2026 launch for Apple Pay in India, in talks with major banks

Apple is in talks with several Indian banks and global card networks as it prepares to launch its Apple Pay service in India, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The iPhone maker is in discussions with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, as it aims to introduce its payment service in India around the middle of 2026, the report said, marking a potential entry into the country’s digital payments space.

The discussions are part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to expand its payments offering in key international markets, according to the report.