News
Apple Business: The Successor to Apple Business Manager
Apple has announced Apple Business: one new, free platform that replaces Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Connect. Since April 14, 2026, it has been available in more than 200 countries and regions, including the Netherlands.
At Analyst ICT we follow developments within the Apple ecosystem closely. As an Apple Consultant and management partner for many business Mac and iPhone environments, we have put together the most important changes brought by Apple Business for you.
What exactly is Apple Business
Apple Business bundles three previously separate business services into one interface: device management (formerly Apple Business Manager and, in the US, the paid Apple Business Essentials), brand and location management (formerly Apple Business Connect), and new, fully integrated services for business email, calendars, and contacts. Existing data from Business Connect and Business Manager is transferred automatically.
Built-in device management, now free
The most important news for IT administrators: Mobile Device Management (MDM) is now built in as standard within Apple Business, with a single clear interface for all Apple devices, settings, and security. For former Business Essentials customers in the US, the monthly device management fee is fully waived as of April 14.
- Blueprints: businesses pre-configure employee groups, device settings, security, and apps for zero-touch deployment, so new devices are ready to use immediately after unboxing.
- Managed Apple Accounts: cryptographic separation between work and personal data on the same device, created automatically through a connection with an identity provider such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Entra ID.
- Personnel management: groups by role or team, with fully customizable roles and permissions.
- App distribution: purchasing and rolling out apps to employees and teams through the App Store.
- Admin API: API access to device, user, audit, and MDM data for large-scale deployments.
Zero-touch deployment only works with devices purchased through Apple or an authorized reseller.
Business email, calendar, and contacts with your own domain
New is that businesses can now also set up fully integrated email, calendar, and contacts services within Apple Business, using an existing domain or a new domain purchased directly through Apple. Think calendar delegation and a company-wide address book with personal contact cards. These features do require iOS 26, iPadOS 26, or macOS 26.
Brand and location management (formerly Apple Business Connect)
The branding tools from Apple Business Connect are now fully incorporated into Apple Business:
- Brand profiles: consistently display name, logo, and company information in Apple Maps, Wallet, and other Apple apps.
- Enhanced place cards: photos, opening hours, and ordering or reservation options directly in Apple Maps, Safari, and Spotlight.
- Location insights: statistics on how customers find the business, including searches and views.
- Branding in communication: branding in Mail, iCloud Mail, and order statuses in Wallet, plus a logo on the payment screen for Tap to Pay on iPhone.
Starting this summer, businesses in the US and Canada will also be able to place ads in Apple Maps, visible in search results and the new Suggested Places experience.
What this means for business users
For businesses there are three important takeaways:
1. Device management becomes accessible to everyone
Because MDM is now built in by default and free of charge, even SMBs without their own IT department can set up professional device management, something that previously often required a paid subscription or an external MDM provider.
2. Apple positions itself more broadly against Google and Microsoft
With built-in email, calendar, and contacts alongside device management, Apple Business competes not only with Jamf, Mosyle, and Intune, but increasingly also with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 as a productivity platform.
3. Check the transition, even though migration is automatic
Does your organization currently use Apple Business Manager, Business Essentials, or Business Connect? Migration happens automatically, but it is wise to check after the switch that all groups, devices, and location data have transferred correctly, and that additional services such as extra iCloud storage or AppleCare+ for Business still meet your needs.
Our view
At Analyst ICT we see Apple Business as a logical and welcome step: Apple is bundling its fragmented business services into one coherent, free platform, lowering the barrier for smaller organizations to manage their Apple fleet professionally.
Want to know what the move to Apple Business means for your organization, or need help setting up Blueprints and Managed Apple Accounts? We’re happy to think along with you.
Analyst ICT is an officially recognised Apple Technical Partner. Want to know more about Apple within your organisation? See our overview for business or email frank@analystict.nl.