iPhone users have been eagerly waiting for UPI apps. Many of them are asking NPCI regarding this via twitter and other mediums. They also feel neglected due to this discrimination. But the wait is finally over. Banks and some third-party developers have started to release iOS version of the UPI apps.
Why there were no UPI apps for iOS earlier?
NPCI has launched UPI on the August 2016. They allowed member banks to develop and release their UPI apps for Android platform. It is because they have released SDK for Android platform only. An SDK ( Software Development Kit) is a collection of software development tools. Developers cannot develop any app without the SDK. NPCI had not released the SDK for iOS. Therefore, developing UPI app for iOS was not possible.
Recently, the NPCI has finished developing and released the UPI SDK for iOS. It has shared the SDK with member banks. Hence, it has become possible to develop UPI apps for iOS.
PhonePe UPI app for iOS is launched
PhonePe UPI app is the first to launch UPI app for iOS. Just like on Phonepe Android app, PhonePe for iOS is also powered by Yes Bank. Hence it will use @ybl extension for virtual payment addresses. However, ICICI had already integrated UPI facility in its iMobile app. But iMobile app did not allow you to add bank accounts of other banks. Hence it can not be called a proper UPI app.
On the other hand, PhonePe UPI app lets you use all the features which are available on the Android platform. You can add bank accounts of any member bank, make recharges and payments using UPI. However, the app is a bit too buggy. Some users are facing problems using the app. Mobile authentication takes many tries for some users. But remember, this is the first version of the app. These bugs will be fixed with the next some updates.
What about BHIM and other UPI apps for iOS
As the SDK is now available to every member bank, they will release their UPI apps soon. NPCI is also developing BHIM UPI app for iOS and will release it as soon as possible. The NPCI has confirmed it in the reply to a tweet. They said that the BHIM app for iOS will be available by the end of January.
Most of the other UPI apps for iOS are also expected to be launched in the first week of February 2017. Till then use PhonePe, iMobile and *99# banking to enjoy UPI features on your iOS device.