Apple has now started accepting payments using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay cards, and Net Banking in India. These payment methods are widely used in the Indian market on other platforms as well. Users can top up their Apple ID balance using any of these payment methods.
The balance can also be used to pay for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and Apple’s own services like Apple Arcade and Apple One.
The company only allowed credit and debit cards on its platforms, which may have made it difficult for some users to make payments on the App Store and iTunes.
The new payment modes will be applicable for buying apps on Apple’s stores, buying music and other content on iTunes, and also for in-app purchases. The company’s Face-ID purchases will also be available for the domestic payment systems.
Previously, Apple only supported payments from Visa and MasterCard. With support for more methods, users in India can now buy apps, music, iCloud storage, and more in Apple’s online stores. Users can top up their Apple ID balance using any of these payment methods.
The balance can also be used to pay for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and Apple’s own services like Apple Arcade and Apple One.
Enable Domestic Payments on any Apple Devices
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
- Swipe down to get the Search bar on top.
- Write ‘Payments’ in the search bar and tap on the Payments and Shipping option in Apple ID.
- This will show a list of payment methods, including UPI, RuPay and Net Banking.
- Tap the option you want and add the details.
Adding domestic payment methods is the newest in a host of India-centric things Apple has been doing. The company also launched its first online store late last year and offers users specific EMI options through the platform too. The instant payment network UPI was launched in 2016 and has seen massive growth in India, with players like PayTM, PhonePe, Google Pay, and more recently, WhatsApp dominating the space.
There has been an unprecedented growth in terms of app downloads in recent years in India. The market has been a steady revenue generator for Apple and adding more ways for payments will benefit both users and the app developers.