Apple Pay gives Apple users another way to make everyday payments without reaching for their physical credit card or entering card details at checkout. But how exactly does it work?
How to set up Apple Pay
Adding a card to Apple Pay can be done in two ways. Users can add an eligible card directly through the latest version of the Axis Bank app. Alternatively, they can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the ‘+’ button and follow the instructions to add their card. Once the card has been successfully added, Apple Pay can be used immediately.
How to pay at a store
Using Apple Pay at a contactless payment terminal is designed to be a quick, tap-and-go process.
On an iPhone, users need to:
- Double-click the side button on the iPhone.
- Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, if prompted.
- Hold the top of the iPhone near the contactless payment reader.
- Wait for the payment to be confirmed.
Apple Pay via Apple Watch
On an Apple Watch, users can double-click the side button and hold the display near the contactless reader. No separate payment app needs to be opened at the time of purchase.
Apple Pay is not limited to physical stores. Users can also make purchases through apps and websites on iPhone and iPad without repeatedly entering their card number, billing information, shipping details or other payment information. Apple says support for Mac is coming soon.
Is Apple Pay secure?
Security is one of Apple’s key features for the service. When a user adds a card to Apple Pay, the actual card number is not shared with merchants during a transaction. Instead, Apple Pay uses a unique device-specific number and a transaction-specific security code.
For transactions using Mastercard, tokenisation replaces the card details with a unique, cryptographically secured token. Visa also uses tokenisation to help protect card information. This means merchants do not receive the user’s actual card number when an Apple Pay transaction is made.Where can you use Apple Pay in India?
Apple Pay is launching with support across millions of merchant locations in India. Some of the brands accepting Apple Pay at launch include Apple Store, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato.
Apple has also worked with payment service providers including Cashfree, JusPay, Mswipe, Paytm, PayU, Pine Labs, Razorpay and Worldline to enable Apple Pay across their merchant networks. More merchants and apps are expected to be added over time.
Which devices support Apple Pay?
Apple Pay requires an iPhone XR or later running iOS 18 or later. For Apple Watch, the service requires an Apple Watch Series 6 or later running watchOS 11 or later, paired with an iPhone XR or later.
At launch, Apple Pay is available across iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, while Mac support is expected soon. Users will also continue to receive the rewards and benefits offered by their eligible cards when making payments through Apple Pay.
With Apple Pay now live in India, iPhone users can essentially turn their existing device into a contactless payment tool — add an eligible card, authenticate the transaction and tap to pay.