Apple is restoring card payments for Apple Account purchases in India after more than four years, giving users another way to pay for App Store purchases, iCloud+, Apple Music, and other subscriptions.
TL;DR
- Apple is bringing back eligible Visa and Mastercard credit and debit card payments in India.
- The phased rollout comes after Apple suspended card payments in May 2022 due to India’s recurring payment rules.
- The move could renew interest in whether Apple Pay may eventually launch in India.
Apple Restores Visa And Mastercard Payments For Apple Account Purchases In India
Apple has begun bringing back card payments for Apple Account purchases in India, marking a notable shift after removing the option more than four years ago.
The rollout is happening in phases and allows eligible users to add Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards to their Apple Account. Once added, these cards can be used to pay for App Store purchases, iCloud+, Apple Music, and other Apple digital subscriptions.
The move gives Indian users more payment flexibility after years of relying on UPI, net banking, and Apple Account balance to keep subscriptions active. For Apple, it also removes a long-standing friction point in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Why Apple Removed Card Payments In India In 2022
Apple suspended card payments in India in May 2022 after changes to the country’s recurring payments framework reshaped how merchants and payment providers handled subscription billing.
The framework, introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2021 and implemented in stages, required stronger customer authentication for recurring card payments. It also pushed payment providers toward tokenized card credentials and prevented merchants from storing customers’ card details.
Those changes disrupted subscription payments for several domestic and international companies until they updated their systems. Apple has now made the back-end changes needed to support card payments under India’s regulatory framework, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Apple has also updated its support documentation to reflect the restored payment option, while the phased rollout is expected to expand to all eligible users over time.
Topics For More Insights
Apple’s India Services Growth Makes Payment Choice More Important
The return of card payments comes as Apple’s services business in India continues to grow at a double-digit pace despite the absence of direct card payment support.
As Apple’s installed base expands in India, more users are likely to expect multiple ways to pay for digital services. Restoring cards helps Apple align with those expectations while keeping its subscription experience smoother for customers who prefer credit or debit cards over UPI or net banking.
The move also reflects a broader reality for Apple. Governments around the world are increasingly requiring digital platforms to adapt to local regulations, rather than offering one uniform global experience. Apple has faced similar pressure in Europe, Japan, and South Korea, where rules have influenced parts of app distribution and payments.
Could Apple Pay Come To India Next?
The restoration of card payments is likely to renew speculation around Apple Pay in India, especially after earlier reports suggested Apple had explored bringing the mobile payments service to the country.
However, Apple has not announced any plans to launch Apple Pay in India. The company also did not respond to a request for comment.
