Fintech giant PayU has announced the integration of Apple Pay into its extensive merchant network across India. This strategic move significantly expands the availability of Apple's mobile payment service, enabling a vast number of eligible iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users to conduct secure contactless transactions at supported physical stores, as well as through apps and websites.
Apple Pay's Rollout in India
The integration by PayU comes on the heels of Apple Pay's official launch in India, with Axis Bank serving as its foundational banking partner. While the service debuted in the U.S. in 2014, its arrival in India marks a notable expansion of digital payment options for Apple device owners. Initially, Apple Pay functionality in India is exclusive to customers holding eligible Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa or Mastercard networks. RuPay cards are not supported at the time of launch.
How Apple Pay Works for Indian Users
For in-store purchases, users can simply double-click the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticate the transaction using Face ID, Touch ID, or their device passcode, and then hold their device near a compatible contactless payment terminal. This streamlined process eliminates the need for physical cards or cash, offering enhanced speed and convenience.
Beyond physical retail, Apple Pay can also be utilized for seamless purchases within supported applications and directly on websites when browsing with Safari. This feature removes the repetitive requirement of entering card details, shipping information, or billing specifics at checkout, further simplifying the online shopping experience.
Security and Privacy at the Core
Apple Pay is designed with robust security and privacy features. Crucially, actual credit card numbers are never stored on the user's device or on Apple's servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is generated for each card, encrypted, and securely stored in the device's Secure Element—a dedicated chip engineered to safeguard payment data.
Each transaction also leverages a one-time, dynamic security code, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud. All payments require explicit user authentication, reinforcing the security of every purchase.
Device Compatibility and Merchant Acceptance
To use Apple Pay, users require an iPhone XR or a later model running iOS 18 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or newer, paired with a compatible iPhone. While PayU's integration significantly broadens the reach of Apple Pay, initial acceptance may vary between individual merchants, as compatible contactless terminals must be enabled for the service.
PayU currently serves over 4.5 lakh (450,000) businesses across India, supporting more than 100 online payment methods, including various cards, net banking, EMIs, pay-later options, QR payments, UPI, and digital wallets. This extensive network positions PayU as a key facilitator in bringing advanced payment solutions like Apple Pay to a wide merchant base, aiming to improve checkout conversion rates and offer customers more convenient payment choices.