Apple Restores Card Payments for Apple Account Purchases in India

Apple is revamping its payment options for Indian customers by bringing back card‑based transactions for Apple Account purchases after a four‑year gap. The move follows a series of technical adjustments and regulatory alignments that allow the tech giant to process credit and debit card payments in line with India’s payment framework.

India’s digital payment landscape has evolved rapidly, with the Reserve Bank of India mandating support for local card networks and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). To comply, Apple negotiated new agreements with payment processors and built an infrastructure that can securely handle card data across its services.

The rollout is currently limited to select cities and specific Apple services. Early adopters can use their Visa, Mastercard, or Rupay cards to buy apps, subscribe to Apple Music, purchase iCloud storage, or make hardware upgrades directly from the App Store or Apple Store. Apple aims to extend the feature nationwide by the end of the year.

For Indian developers and consumers, the reinstated card option removes a significant friction point. Previously, many users had to rely on UPI or local wallets for transactions, which could be cumbersome for international visitors or for purchases that required a card. The broader payment palette is expected to boost in‑app revenue for developers and improve overall user satisfaction.

Analysts view the decision as part of Apple’s longer‑term strategy to deepen its foothold in one of the world’s fastest‑growing smartphone markets. With a young, tech‑savvy population and rising disposable incomes, India represents a lucrative opportunity for Apple’s ecosystem. Restoring card payments could tighten the bond between Indian users and Apple’s services, potentially increasing market share and revenue growth.

Source: TechCrunch

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