Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a huge step towards cashless transactions by launching BHIM on Android, about a month ago. To take the cashless initiative further, Bharat Interface for Money, or BHIM, has now been introduced for iOS as well. This will now enable the app to cater to every smartphone user in the country.
The Android version of BHIM app, released on 30th December, enables you to transfer funds through Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a bank-to-bank fund transfer system backed by phone numbers linked to your bank account. While the Android app supports several regional languages, the iOS version of the app is currently available only in Hindi and English. However, the developers claim to extend the language support in coming months.
BHIM is now available on #iOS. Download #BHIM: https://t.co/wjtGxEbAL6 #AppStore @PMOIndia @aphota @dilipasbe @amitabhk87 @NandanNilekani pic.twitter.com/ii5E1duvpk
— BHIM (@NPCI_BHIM) February 11, 2017
Though only a small fraction of people use iPhone in the country, the capital involved in transactions for the said fraction is what matters. Hence, the presence of BHIM on the iOS App Store will significantly increase the volume of transactions. BHIM has currently collaborated with about 35 banks including big names such as State Bank of India, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, Union Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Commenting on the launch, A. P. Hota, MD & CEO, National Payments Corp. of India (NPCI) says,
The BHIM App will now cater to almost 100% smartphone users in the country with the launch on iOS platform. This will ensure wider acceptance for digital transactions among consumers across all sections.
Similar to the Android version of BHIM, the iOS version has a transfer limit of Rs 10,000 per transaction and Rs 20,000 in a day through the bank account. Hota further adds,
The BHIM App on iOS platform is equipped with updated features available on BHIM’s Android version 1.2. This includes Pay to Aadhaar number, SPAM report, advanced customer redressal mechanism.
The recent budget announcements also announced further upgrades coming to the app. The government will launch two new schemes for BHIM usage. Arun Jaitley continued further stating that a decent 11.25 million people have already adopted the application. Also, this even dismisses the need for an internet connection by being available on feature phones as well.
The app will work similar to the Android version. It will automatically connect to your bank account and will assist in conducting financial transactions. These include sending and receiving payments and other important functions via direct linking. However, the app will work on iPhones, it will not be functional on non-cellular iPads.
