Apple has begun restoring credit and debit card payments for App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, and other Apple Account purchases in India, marking the end of a nearly four-year hiatus. The move comes after the company updated its payment systems to comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) card tokenisation and recurring payment regulations.
The feature is currently being rolled out in phases and is expected to reach all eligible users over the coming months.
Why Apple Stopped Card Payments
Apple stopped accepting most debit and credit cards for recurring payments in India in 2022 after RBI introduced stricter rules governing auto-debit transactions. The regulations required additional authentication for recurring payments and mandated card tokenisation to improve payment security.
As a result, Apple encouraged users to pay for subscriptions using alternative methods such as UPI, net banking, or Apple Account balance, while direct card payments remained unavailable for many customers.
Visa And Mastercard Supported First
According to reports, Apple has started enabling Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards for App Store purchases and subscriptions. Support is initially being rolled out to a limited group of users before a wider release.
The company is also expected to add support for RuPay and American Express cards in the future, giving Indian customers more payment options for services such as iCloud+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and app purchases.
A Smoother Experience For Apple Users
The return of card payments simplifies subscription management for millions of Apple users in India. Instead of relying on UPI or prepaid account balances, customers will once again be able to pay directly using their saved cards for recurring services.
The change is also expected to benefit app developers by reducing payment friction, potentially leading to higher subscription renewals and digital purchases through the App Store ecosystem.
Significance For Apple’s India Strategy
India has become one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets, with the company expanding its retail presence, manufacturing operations, and digital services in the country. Restoring card payments is another step towards strengthening its ecosystem and improving the customer experience.
By complying with India’s evolving payment regulations, Apple is making it easier for users to access its digital services while reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of its most important global growth markets.
Summary (60 Words)
Apple has resumed credit and debit card payments for App Store, iCloud, and other Apple Account purchases in India after nearly four years. The phased rollout follows the company’s compliance with RBI’s payment regulations. Initially supporting Visa and Mastercard, the move simplifies subscription payments, improves the user experience, and strengthens Apple’s growing digital ecosystem in India.
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