Apple Business Launch

Apple is rolling out a free business hub on April 14 that bundles device management, work email, and customer marketing into one Apple account. (apple.com) Apple said the new service, called Apple Business, will launch in more than 200 countries and regions. It includes built-in mobile device management, plus email, calendar, and directory tools that use a company’s own domain name. (apple.com) The package also folds together tools Apple had previously split across separate products. Apple Business Manager handled device deployment, Apple Business Essentials sold small-business management plans, and Apple Business Connect managed listings and branding across Apple apps. (apple.com) (support.apple.com) (apple.com 1) (apple.com 2) For small companies, the most immediate change is price. Apple Business Essentials now charges from $2.99 per device per month or $6.99 per user per month for management, storage, and support, while Apple said the new Apple Business platform itself will be free. (apple.com 1) (apple.com 2) Mobile device management is the software layer that lets a company set up, secure, and update employee phones and computers from a central console. Apple said its built-in version will let businesses apply preset “Blueprints” for apps, settings, and security so new devices can be shipped to workers ready to use out of the box. (support.apple.com) (apple.com) Apple is also adding a new advertising product tied to Apple Maps. The company said businesses in the United States and Canada will be able to buy local ads in Maps starting this summer, during search and discovery moments. (apple.com 1) (apple.com 2) That puts Apple closer to the territory long dominated by Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, which package business email, calendars, directories, and admin tools for work accounts. Apple’s version adds storefront visibility across Maps, Wallet, Siri, Mail, and other Apple services through the same business dashboard. (apple.com) (apple.com) Apple is keeping paid add-ons around the free core service. The company said businesses will still be able to buy extra iCloud storage and AppleCare+ for Business support, and employees will get a companion Apple Business app to install work apps, look up colleague contacts, and request help. (apple.com) (apple.com) The launch extends Apple’s push to make its hardware harder to separate from the software and services around it. On April 14, companies that already use Apple’s business tools will see those pieces start to converge in one place instead of three. (apple.com) (support.apple.com)