Apple announced Apple Business, an all-in-one platform designed for companies of all sizes. It combines mobile device management, email and calendar services, brand and location management, and new ways to reach local customers. Apple Business is designed to simplify IT, support team productivity, and provide tools for managing business operations efficiently.
Built-In Mobile Device Management
Apple Business integrates mobile device management (MDM), offering a centralized view of devices, settings, and apps. Key capabilities include:
- Blueprints: Preconfigured device settings and app assignments for zero-touch deployment.
- Managed Apple Accounts: Company data is secured separately from employee personal data. Integration supports providers like Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID.
- Employee Management: Create user groups, assign apps and roles, and define custom access levels.
- App Distribution: Acquire and assign apps to employees and teams through the App Store.
- Admin API: Provides access to device, user, audit, and MDM service data to support large-scale deployments.
- iCloud Storage & AppleCare+ for Business: Optional upgrades per device or per user.
The Apple Business companion app allows employees to install apps, view colleagues’ contact information, and request support on the go.
Productivity and Collaboration
Apple Business includes fully integrated email, calendar, and directory services with custom domain support. This enables businesses to:
- Use a professional domain for email and collaboration.
- Simplify scheduling with calendar delegation.
- Connect teams through a company directory with personalized contact cards.
These tools streamline daily operations and internal communication.
Enhanced Discoverability on Apple Maps
Starting this summer in the U.S. and Canada, Apple Business will allow businesses to create ads on Apple Maps. Features include:
- Ads appear in Maps search results and in the Suggested Places section, which recommends trending nearby businesses.
- Ads are clearly labeled and follow Apple’s privacy-first approach; user location and interactions remain private.
- Businesses must claim their location first. Ads can then be created through Apple Business in a few simple steps, or managed via the existing Apple Ads platform.
Brand and Location Management
Apple Business consolidates brand management tools previously in Apple Business Connect:
- Brand Profiles: Manage logos, business names, and key details consistently across Apple Maps, Wallet, and other apps.
- Rich Place Cards: Include photos, hours, and detailed location information visible across Maps, Safari, Spotlight, and more.
- Showcases & Custom Actions: Highlight offers or new products and include actions like order or reserve.
- Location Insights: Monitor searches, views, and customer interactions.
- Branded Communications: Display brand identity in Mail, iCloud Mail, and Wallet.
- Tap to Pay on iPhone: Show brand logos during in-person payments.
Pricing and Availability
Starting April 14, Apple Business will be available in more than 200 countries, with optional paid upgrades for additional services:
- iCloud storage: Up to 2TB per user, starting at $0.99/month
- AppleCare+ for Business: $6.99/month per device or $13.99/month per user (up to 3 devices)
Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect will be retired, with existing data automatically migrated. Ads on Apple Maps will roll out later this summer in the U.S. and Canada.
Note:
- Some features may not be available in all countries.
- Zero-touch deployment is supported when devices are purchased through Apple or Apple Authorized Resellers.
- Additional iCloud storage and AppleCare+ for Business are optional paid services.
Speaking on the launch, Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing, said:
Apple Business is a significant leap forward in our decades-long commitment to helping companies of all sizes leverage the power of Apple products and services to run and grow. We’ve unified Apple’s strongest business offerings into one simple, secure platform, delivering key features for organizations in every stage and sector, including built-in device management, collaboration tools, and additional ways to reach new customers. We’re excited to see how Apple Business helps companies spend more time focusing on what they love and connecting deeply with their communities.