Not Enough to Compete with Android, Apple Has a New Rival for Google

Apple has introduced Apple Business, a platform containing various services for use in business. “Apple Business represents a significant leap in our decades-long commitment to helping companies of all sizes harness the power of Apple’s products and services,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of worldwide marketing and education, quoted from Apple Newsroom some time ago. She added that the company is uniting its business offerings in a platform that is simple and secure, delivering key features for organisations at every stage and sector. “We are bringing together Apple’s strongest business offerings into one simple and secure platform, delivering key features for organisations at every stage and sector, including built-in device management, collaboration tools, and additional ways to reach new customers,” she explained. Apple Business provides built-in mobile device management (MDM), which will offer features such as an Apple device overview and organisational settings in a single interface. In addition, there is an option to provide upgraded iCloud storage, as well as AppleCare+ for Business support and the companion Apple Business app. The platform also offers automatic creation of Managed Apple IDs for employees with integration from identity service providers, such as Google Workspace to Microsoft Entra ID. Other features include creating groups based on function or team to assign apps and roles, app distribution via the App Store, and API access to device data, users, audits, and MDM services. Apple Business also provides management tools previously available in Apple Business Connect, making it easier for businesses to organise and manage their brand and locations displayed across all services and apps. One of them is managing brand names, logos, and details across Apple Maps, Wallet, and other features and apps. Next is customising photos, location information, operating hours, and other details on Apple Maps, Safari, and Spotlight. Other tools include displays for offers, special promotions, and new products at locations on maps, and custom messages can be added. Apple Business also offers insights into how customers find and interact with the business, prominently displaying the brand in Mail and iCloud Mail, as well as showing the logo and name during payments using Tap to Pay on iPhone. Apple states that Apple Business is available for users in the United States (US) and more than 200 other countries.