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Apple brings back card payments for Apple Account purchases in India after afour-year hiatus
Apple has restored card payments for Apple Account purchases in India, allowing users to add Visa and Mastercard cards after a four-year pause. This move aligns with regulatory changes in India's digital payments landscape, where Apple previously suspended card transactions due to new rules requiring stronger authentication. The phased rollout supports subscription services, highlighting Apple's need to adapt to local regulations.
Key points
- After a four-year hiatus, Apple has reintroduced card payments in India for subscriptions and App Store purchases.
- The reinstatement follows regulatory changes by the Reserve Bank of India requiring stronger authentication and tokenized card credentials.
- Since May 2022, users relied on UPI, net banking, and Apple Account balance for payments.
- The card payment restoration aims to alleviate friction in subscription renewals amid a growing Apple services market in India.
- The phased rollout suggests a careful adaptation to India’s regulatory framework for easier consumer payments.
Why it matters
- Similar regulatory pressures have forced Apple to alter its App Store practices in Europe and app distribution in Japan and South Korea.
- The card payment restoration could fuel speculation regarding the future launch of Apple Pay in India, reflecting the ongoing evolution of mobile payment systems worldwide.
Apple's return to card payments in India marks a significant adaptation to local regulations, aiding its service growth while highlighting the need for compliance in diverse digital environments.