Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager. It is a web-based portal from Apple Inc. designed for IT administrators to deploy Apple devices within organizations. The service centralizes the management of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices, as well as the distribution of apps and books. It integrates seamlessly with leading MDM solutions to automate device enrollment and configuration.

Overview

The portal serves as a foundational hub for IT administration in businesses, schools, and other institutions. It streamlines the process of procuring devices directly from Apple or authorized partners like CDW and Jamf. By providing a unified interface, it allows administrators to manage assets without physically handling each iPhone or iPad. This approach supports large-scale deployments across global enterprises and K-12 districts, aligning with modern Zero-touch deployment philosophies. The system is a successor and unification of earlier programs like the Device Enrollment Program and the Volume Purchase Program.

Features and capabilities

Core functionalities include automated device enrollment, which ties Apple hardware directly to an organization's MDM server upon activation. Administrators can assign devices to specific MDM solutions such as Jamf Pro, VMware Workspace ONE, or Microsoft Intune. The portal also manages app and book distribution through custom App Store catalogs, utilizing either purchased licenses or redemption codes. Additional features include managed Apple ID creation, which provides cloud services with enhanced privacy controls, and the ability to reset device activation locks remotely after verifying ownership with Apple Support.

Deployment and management

Deployment begins by configuring the portal to connect with a chosen MDM provider. Devices are added via their serial numbers or order numbers from Apple Authorized Resellers or directly from Apple Business Team. Once assigned in Apple Business Manager, devices are automatically enrolled in MDM upon unboxing and connecting to the internet, a process known as Automated Device Enrollment. Administrators can then push configuration profiles, VPN settings, and security policies from the MDM console. For macOS devices, this includes managing system extensions and Kernel extensions.

Integration with other services

The portal is designed to interoperate with a broader Apple ecosystem of enterprise services. It works in conjunction with Apple School Manager for educational institutions and integrates with iCloud for managed Apple ID accounts. For app development and distribution, it connects with App Store Connect for custom B2B apps. Furthermore, it supports integration with identity providers like Microsoft Azure Active Directory for federated authentication, allowing users to sign in with existing corporate credentials from Okta or Google Workspace.

Requirements and enrollment

To enroll, an organization must have a D-U-N-S Number and be legally recognized as a business, educational institution, or government entity. The enrollment process requires verification by Apple Inc., often involving a phone call from the Apple Business Team. An eligible MDM solution is mandatory for utilizing core management features. Administrators must use a supported web browser like Safari or Google Chrome to access the portal. Ongoing access requires maintaining the account with a valid domain and designating at least one account role, such as Administrator or Device Enrollment Manager.

Category:Apple Inc. software Category:Mobile device management Category:Enterprise software