Apple Business Essentials goes free as Apple merges enterprise tools into Apple Business

Key Points:

• Apple will launch a unified platform called Apple Business on April 14, merging Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Connect into one dashboard for easier enterprise management.
• The platform will offer free built-in mobile device management features globally, eliminating the previous subscription fee for Apple Business Essentials and including tools like device Blueprints and granular custom roles for IT teams.
• Apple Business will support automated Managed Apple Account creation via providers like Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID, with a forthcoming companion app for employees to access work apps, company directories, and support on iOS 26 and later.
• Brand management capabilities will allow businesses to maintain consistent branding across Apple Maps and Tap to Pay, with insights on customer engagement, while paid options for iCloud storage upgrades and AppleCare+ for Business remain available.
• This consolidation simplifies device and brand management for small businesses, positioning Apple Business as a zero-touch solution, though more complex deployments may still rely on specialized platforms like Mosyle or Jamf; additional features like hosted business email and Apple Maps advertising are also planned.