Apple Reinstates Card Payments on App Store in India, RuPay Support Expected Soon

On June 28, 2026, Apple reinstated support for Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards as payment methods for app purchases and subscriptions on the App Store in India. This move follows the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) card transaction tokenisation guidelines, which require that actual card details be replaced with a unique encrypted token during transactions. The new system allows users to add funds to their Apple Account using Visa and Mastercard, which can then be used to pay for apps, iCloud+, and other recurring subscriptions. Direct card payments on the App Store are not yet enabled; all transactions must go through the Apple Account wallet.

The RBI introduced the Device-based Tokenisation framework in 2021, later expanded in 2023 to include laptops, desktops, wearables, and IoT devices. Under this framework, card details are not stored by Apple or any merchant; instead, a unique token is generated using the card, the device, and the token requestor (Apple). All tokenised data and transaction records must be stored on servers located within India, ensuring data privacy and compliance with local regulations. Apple has now fully aligned its App Store operations in India with these rules.

Apple has confirmed that RuPay card integration will be rolled out in the coming weeks, marking a major step toward full card network inclusivity. UPI remains available as an alternative method to add funds, and at least one UPI account must stay linked to the Apple Account for now. The RBI’s E-Mandate Framework also governs auto-debits for subscriptions, requiring OTP-based authentication for recurring payments above ₹15,000 and a 24-hour advance alert for users. Apple now requires OTP verification when adding a card and allows users to delete saved cards at any time.

This development strengthens India’s digital payment ecosystem by enabling global card networks to operate under RBI’s data localisation and security standards. It also paves the way for greater financial inclusion, as RuPay integration will expand access for Indian users who rely on domestic cards. Apple’s compliance does not imply the launch of Apple Pay in India, which remains a separate on-device digital wallet for in-store and online transactions.

The move reflects India’s growing influence in shaping global digital payment standards. Apple’s adherence to RBI’s tokenisation and data storage rules sets a precedent for multinational tech firms operating in India. For aspirants, this highlights how regulatory frameworks can drive innovation while protecting user data and promoting local financial infrastructure.