Apple is launching a new, unified platform called Apple Business on April 14, 2026. This major update will merge several existing business tools into one service, and crucially, will offer built-in mobile device management (MDM) features for free to organizations in over 200 countries. The move aims to simplify how companies manage Apple devices, accounts, and branding.[9to5mac+2]
Simplifying Management for Businesses
The new Apple Business platform consolidates services previously scattered across different portals. It brings together capabilities from Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Connect. This means administrators will manage everything from a single dashboard, rather than switching between multiple websites.The unified system covers four main areas: device management, people management, brand management, and support.[9to5mac+2]
Apple Business Essentials, introduced in beta in November 2021 and fully launched in March 2022, was previously a paid subscription service for small businesses in the US.It provided device management, 24/7 Apple support, and iCloud storage.The new Apple Business platform now integrates and expands upon these features, making the core device management component free.This shift is designed to help businesses of all sizes, especially those without a large IT staff.[apple+6]
New Free Device Management Features
A significant change with Apple Business is that its built-in mobile device management capabilities will become entirely free.This will allow organizations to remotely configure, deploy, and manage their Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.The platform includes "Blueprints" to easily set up devices with preconfigured settings and applications.This ensures consistency and security across all company devices and enables "zero-touch deployment," meaning new Apple products are ready to use right out of the box.[9to5mac+5]
Businesses can also buy apps in bulk through the platform, assign them to devices or users, and install and update them wirelessly.This feature works even if the App Store is disabled on employee devices.Companies retain full ownership and control of these purchased apps, with the ability to revoke and reassign them as needed.Apple Business also supports "User Enrollment," which helps employees set up their personal devices for work while keeping their private information separate and secure from company data.[support+4]
Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Enterprise and Education Marketing, said Apple Business is a "significant leap forward" in helping companies use Apple products and services to grow. "We've unified Apple's strongest business offerings into one simple, secure platform, delivering key features for organizations in every stage and sector," Prescott stated.She also highlighted the built-in device management, collaboration tools, and new ways to reach customers.[apple+1]
Flexible Plans and Enhanced Support
While the core device management features are now free, Apple Business offers optional paid add-ons for enhanced services. Customers in the US can purchase additional iCloud storage beyond the included 5GB, with plans starting at $0.99 per user per month for up to 2TB of storage.[9to5mac+1]
Businesses can also add AppleCare+ for Business, which provides prioritized 24/7 access to phone support, training for IT administrators and employees, and flexible device repairs.AppleCare+ for Business plans start at $6.99 per month per device or $13.99 per month per user, covering up to three devices.This service includes up to two repair credits per plan each year, which can be applied to any device associated with the plan.Employees can even initiate repairs directly from the Apple Business Essentials app, and an Apple-trained technician can provide onsite service for iPhones in as little as four hours.[apple+6]
Why This Matters for Organizations
The unification of Apple's business tools and the move to offer free device management is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. Many smaller companies do not have a dedicated IT department to handle device deployment, security, and support.Apple Business aims to provide these essential functions in an easy-to-use platform, saving businesses valuable time and resources.[inc+4]
Previously, Apple Business Essentials was designed for organizations with up to 500 employees.The new unified platform maintains this focus on scalability and ease of use, ensuring that businesses can manage their Apple fleet efficiently as they grow.This comprehensive approach helps businesses maintain strong security across their organization, enforcing critical settings like FileVault for Mac encryption and Activation Lock for lost or stolen devices.[apple+4]
The new Apple Business platform, with its free device management and integrated services, aims to streamline operations, enhance security, and provide essential support, allowing companies to focus on their core business activities.
