Apple Business replaces Business Manager and Essentials with free built-in MDM

Apple launched Apple Business on April 15, 2026, a free platform that replaces Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials and Apple Business Connect in more than 200 countries and regions, including the U.S. Apple announced it in March. It includes built-in mobile device management for configuring Apple devices, settings and security; blueprints for zero-touch deployment of devices bought through Apple or authorized resellers; managed Apple Accounts that can be created automatically from Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace; and an Admin API. It also includes business email, calendar and directory features, which require iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26.

For small businesses with a modest number of iPhones, iPads or Macs, this puts basic device management at no cost. Heise reported that Apple Business Essentials customers stop paying its monthly device management fee. Heise also noted that companies with more complex needs may still prefer dedicated tools such as Jamf Pro.

If you manage Apple devices today, confirm with your IT provider how the change affects your setup. Ask whether your current MDM still connects correctly after the move from Apple Business Manager, whether devices are enrolled for zero-touch deployment, and who controls the managed Apple Accounts. If you were paying for Business Essentials, make sure that charge has stopped.

For businesses deciding between Apple's free tools and a paid MDM, the practical questions are whether you also manage Windows or Android devices, what reporting and compliance evidence you need, and whether you need app and security controls beyond what Apple's platform offers.

Sources

1.Apple Newsroom ↗apple.com
2.heise online ↗heise.de

Vendor in this insight

Apple

Consumer and enterprise technology company whose devices dominate executive and creative professional deployments — MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are the default laptop for design, media, and finance teams; iPhone the dominant enterprise smartphone. Apple Business Manager (ABM) provides zero-touch device enrollment and MDM integration for enterprise deployments at scale. Apple Silicon (M-series chips) delivers industry-leading performance-per-watt, making MacBooks competitive on battery life and compute against Windows laptops. iPad supports front-line worker use cases in healthcare, retail, and field service. Not available through master agent channel — sold direct and through Apple Authorized Resellers.

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Apple Business replaces Business Manager and Essentials with free built-in MDM

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