Internal.Apple leak: Apple Pay is coming to India with iOS 18

Internal documents suggest Apple Pay, the company’s mobile payment service, is preparing for an Indian debut alongside the upcoming iOS 18 release. 

Before the details, another big Apple story is that Apple CEO Tim Cook meets the EU antitrust chief to discuss App Store rules. Interesting.

Here are some key details from the leaked documents:

• Supported devices: iPhone 11 and later models.
• Initial bank partner: HDFC Bank (credit and debit cards with “Tap to Pay” enabled).
• Only VISA and MasterCard: Initially, VISA and Mastercard will work. No RuPay cards.
• Official launch date: Unconfirmed, but expected sometime after the iOS 18 release.

This screenshot shows that it has been taken from The domain internal.apple.com, which refers to Apple’s internal network, used for purposes like employee communication, software development, and managing internal resources. It’s not accessible to the public and requires credentials from Apple to access.

It’s important to note that the leaked information is unofficial, and Apple has not yet made any formal announcements regarding an Indian launch date for Apple Pay. However, the documents offer a compelling possibility for the near future of digital payments in India.

This would be specifically great news for many foreigners traveling to or residing in India; navigating the world of UPI payments can be a significant hurdle. The lack of familiarity with the system, potential language barriers, and limited access to local bank accounts can make cashless transactions challenging.