Apple Pay May Enter India, But Samsung Wallet Has Little to Worry About

Samsung already offers its digital payment service, Samsung Wallet, in India. Now, its rival Apple is also gearing up to launch Apple Pay in the country by the end of 2026. However, the Korean firm has not much to worry about just yet, as Apple Pay may miss out on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) integration at launch.

Samsung Wallet’s UPI advantage makes Apple Pay’s India debut less threatening

Apple is reportedly working with banks, regulators, and card networks to get the necessary approvals for Apple Pay in India. The company is also negotiating fees with card issuers to use payment gateways. Apple Pay has a global presence in 89 markets, supported by over 11,000 banks and several network partners.

The service will initially focus on card-based contactless payments in India. This will let iPhone and Apple Watch users tap and pay at stores, restaurants, fuel stations, and other points of sale that accept NFC payments. In-app and online payments will also work wherever Apple Pay is available.

However, the complex regulatory requirements may prevent Apple from bringing UPI into Apple Pay at launch. This means Apple Pay probably won’t get UPI third-party application provider (TPAP) approval at first. Of course, the Cupertino giant will likely try to add it as soon as possible, as UPI makes day-to-day digital transactions in India easier. It is used for peer-to-peer transfers, QR code payments, and more.

Meanwhile, Samsung has an advantage, as its Wallet service already supports UPI. In fact, Samsung recently enabled UPI account setup during new device onboarding. As such, users can start making payments the moment they power on a new Galaxy phone. This experience gives Samsung Wallet a lead in regular payments, while Apple Pay could initially depend on card-based contactless transactions. In addition to payments, Samsung Wallet can store tickets, digital keys, IDs, vouchers, and more, making it a versatile digital wallet.