Apple is reportedly in discussions with Visa and Mastercard as it prepares to introduce its digital payments service in India — a move that could mark one of Apple’s biggest fintech expansions in years. According to Investing.com, the talks are linked to Apple’s plans for a local rollout that would still require regulatory clearance and commercial approvals.
The report, citing sources familiar with the situation, says Apple is aiming for a phased launch, with an initial rollout targeted for 2026. The first stage would likely focus on card-based payment functionality, before potentially expanding into broader integrations depending on regulatory progress and market alignment.
The details were first reported by Moneycontrol, which said Apple is working through India’s approval process while engaging major payment partners.
Industry watchers note that India’s payment ecosystem is dominated by UPI-backed platforms and local habits, meaning Apple’s strategy may need to adapt to the country’s unique regulatory and consumer environment. Indian outlets have also reported that a full domestic rollout may still take time to finalize.