Apple Business combines built-in mobile device management, business email and calendar services with custom domain support, and a powerful new option to reach local customers.

The platform is positioned as a new competitor to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, especially by introducing a free business email service for companies, calendar, and directory services for up to 500 users. Companies can use an existing custom domain or buy one through Apple, and each user gets 5GB of iCloud storage with optional paid upgrades.

Business email works with any IMAP compatible client, while calendar supports CalDAV compliant apps across Apple, Android, and Windows devices. Apple Business includes built-in mobile device management for apps, security policies, and device settings, along with features like calendar delegation, directory tools, and role based administration. Blueprints let IT teams preconfigure devices for zero touch deployment when purchased through Apple or authorized resellers, while Managed Apple Accounts keep work and personal data separate and can be provisioned through providers like Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID.

Apple Business can help millions of companies grow their reach and connect with local customers across Apple Maps, Mail, Wallet, Siri, and more, including a new option coming this summer that will enable businesses in the U.S. and Canada to place local ads in Maps during key search and discovery moments. Apple Business will be available starting Tuesday, April 14, in more than 200 countries and regions.

Apple Business expands the availability of Apple Business Manager to more than 200 countries and regions, and supports additional device management features, including:

• Managed Apple Accounts: Company data remains secure while employee data remains private, with cryptographic separation of work and personal data on devices. Apple Business enables automated Managed Apple Account creation for new employees through integration with an identity service provider, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Entra ID, and more.

• Employee management: Create user groups by function or team to assign apps and roles. Organizations can also create custom roles to manage access exactly the way they want.

• App distribution: Easily acquire and distribute apps to employees and teams through the App Store.

• Admin API: Simplify large deployments with API access to device, user, audit, and MDM service data.

Source: Apple