Apple Revives Card Payments on Indian App Store After Five Years
In a significant shift for iPhone and iPad users in India, Apple has quietly restored support for credit and debit card payments on its App Store, ending a near five-year hiatus. This change marks a major milestone for the company’s digital ecosystem in one of its fastest-growing markets, offering a familiar payment route that had been absent since strict new regulations reshaped online transactions.
While the move does not introduce Apple Pay to India, it does simplify how users can purchase apps, download games, and pay for subscriptions like iCloud+. Here is a breakdown of what has changed and how the new system works.
How the New Card Payment System Works
Contrary to what some might expect, the restored card support does not allow direct, one-click payments at checkout. Instead, Apple has implemented a two-step process designed to comply with current security standards.
- Users must first add their Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card to their Apple Account wallet.
- Funds are then loaded into the account balance using the card.
- This stored balance can be used to make purchases, handle in-app transactions, and cover recurring subscription fees.
The familiar option to add money via UPI remains available for those who prefer that method. Apple is rolling out the feature gradually, so it may not appear for every user immediately.
Why Card Support Was Removed
The original suspension of card payments in India was a direct response to the Reserve Bank of India’s card tokenisation mandate. These rules, introduced to bolster transaction security, prohibit companies from storing customers’ actual card numbers or expiry dates on their servers. Instead, businesses must use secure digital tokens that replace sensitive data during transactions.
Apple needed to redesign its payment infrastructure to comply with these guidelines, a process that took several years. With the necessary technical updates now complete, the company has reactivated card-based funding for App Store accounts.
What This Means for Apple Pay in India
Apple has been clear that this change is unrelated to its contactless payment service, Apple Pay. That service remains unavailable in India, and there is no indication of an imminent launch. The current update is strictly limited to the App Store payment ecosystem.
Adding and Managing Your Card
Registering a card is straightforward but includes a security step. Users will need to complete a one-time password (OTP) verification process during setup. Once the card is saved to the account, it can be removed at any time through the settings menu.
For recurring subscriptions, such as iCloud+ storage plans, payments will follow the RBI’s e-Mandate framework. The first transaction requires OTP authorisation. After that, automatic renewals within preset limits will process seamlessly, following a notification from the user’s bank.
Expanding Options: RuPay on the Horizon
Currently, the restored card support covers only Visa and Mastercard. However, industry reports suggest that Apple is preparing to add RuPay card compatibility in the coming weeks. If confirmed, this would extend the payment option to a much wider base of Indian users, particularly those who rely on the domestic card network for their daily transactions.
The reintroduction of card payments is a practical improvement for Indian Apple users, cutting out the need for third-party payment apps or complex workarounds. While it does not revolutionise the experience, it brings a level of convenience that many had been waiting years to see return.
