Credit Bank of Iraq has confirmed Apple Pay plans, while reports have pointed to an Apple Pay launch in India by October 2026.
Apple Pay is moving closer to launches in two large markets, with Credit Bank of Iraq confirming that the service will soon be introduced in Iraq and separate reports pointing to an Indian rollout as early as October 2026. Both initiatives reflect the continued international expansion of Apple's digital wallet, which is already active in more than 90 markets.
Apple Pay confirmed for Iraq
Credit Bank of Iraq, a subsidiary majority-owned by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), said that Apple Pay would soon become available in the country. Once launched, customers will be able to register eligible NBK cards on compatible Apple devices for electronic purchases wherever Apple Pay is accepted.
NBK already offers Apple Pay in Kuwait and Bahrain. Credit Bank of Iraq did not disclose a launch date, participating card types, fees, or transaction limits, meaning the announcement should not be read as confirmation that the service is already operational.
According to the announcement, the move comes as Iraq's banking sector undergoes a broader modernisation process led by the Central Bank of Iraq, with governance and compliance standards playing an increasing role in the country's international financial relationships. Apple Pay's arrival is not directly linked to that regulatory process but reflects a wider shift toward digital, less cash-dependent payment services in the country.
India targeted for October, without UPI at launch
In India, Apple is reportedly preparing to launch Apple Pay by the end of September or in October 2026. The initial rollout is expected to support only credit cards issued on the Visa and Mastercard networks, added to Apple Wallet, and used via NFC at compatible point-of-sale terminals.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions will not be supported at launch. Enabling UPI would require approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and a partnership with a sponsor bank for processing, according to the report. UPI support has not been ruled out for the future.
Apple and card-issuing banks are also negotiating interchange fees, with Apple reportedly seeking 15 to 20 basis points per transaction, while some banks have proposed a rate of ten basis points. Any such fee would be paid by banks from their transaction revenue rather than charged directly to customers or merchants.
Two markets, two different starting points
Although unconnected, the Iraqi and Indian developments underline how Apple Pay's expansion depends heavily on local infrastructure and partnerships. In Iraq, the service depends on a single banking partner in a market with a comparatively nascent digital-payments landscape. In India, Apple faces a market already dominated by UPI, meaning its initial reliance on card-based payments could limit adoption until broader interoperability is established.
