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Launch · Financial Services

Apple talks banks to launch Apple Pay in India

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IndiQube logo
Date
Company
IndiQube
What it does
Digital payments infrastructure provider
Kind
Launch
Sector
Financial Services

What they do

IndiQube provides digital payments infrastructure for Indian businesses

What happened

Apple is discussing a rollout with major Indian banks and card networks

Why it matters

The service will initially support contactless payments before adding UPI later

The details

  • Apple is holding talks with banks to launch its payment service in India this year.
  • The company is in discussions with ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank for the rollout.
  • Apple is also engaging with Mastercard and Visa as part of its expansion plan.
  • The initial phase will focus on card-based contactless payments using iPhone or Apple Watch.
  • Users will be able to add partner bank cards to Apple Wallet for tap-to-pay transactions.
  • Later phases may include support for UPI, which dominates India's digital payments ecosystem.
  • Reports suggest Apple might delay applying for a third-party app license for UPI integration.
  • Any UPI integration would require separate approvals from relevant regulatory authorities.

The bigger picture

  • India has a complex regulatory environment for digital payments and fintech services.
  • UPI is the dominant payment method in India, surpassing traditional card networks.
  • Apple currently does not allow domestic Indian cards to be added to Apple Wallet.
  • This move signals Apple's intent to capture a larger share of the Indian market.
  • Apple charges fees for access to its payments infrastructure globally.

About the business

  • IndiQube operates as a digital payments infrastructure provider in India.
  • It enables businesses to accept digital payments through various channels.
  • The company supports transactions across different payment methods including UPI and cards.
  • IndiQube serves merchants looking to digitize their payment acceptance processes.
  • It helps streamline payment reconciliation and settlement for businesses.
  • The platform integrates with multiple banking partners for seamless transactions.
  • IndiQube focuses on providing reliable and secure payment solutions.
  • It aims to reduce friction in the merchant payment journey.
  • The company leverages technology to enhance payment efficiency and speed.

What happens next

  • Apple plans to roll out the service in phases starting with card payments.
  • Future phases may involve integrating UPI support after regulatory approvals.
  • Apple will negotiate fee structures with card issuers for access to payments.

Founders

  • Meghna Agarwal, Co-founder
  • Rishi Das, Co-founder

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