Heat the oil in a large small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until onion is soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and cook another minute, until just fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Whisk together the mayo, apricot preserves, lime juice, salt, pepper and cooled onions in a medium bowl.
In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas and pulse until finely chopped. Alternatively, you can add the chickpeas to a large bowl and smash using a fork or a potato masher to break up. Add the chickpeas to the mayo and mix together. Season to taste, adding more preserves for sweetness, curry for spice, or lime juice for brightness, salt to enhance the flavor.