Apple Business Essentials now available to all users in the US

Apple Business Essentials

Apple has officially debuted its Apple Business Essentials service to all small business customers in the U.S., bringing device management, support, and storage into a single Apple-provided package.

The service, which Apple announced back in November 2021, bundles a number of business-focused services together in a single and flexible subscription for small business and enterprise users. Apple calls it a "complete solution" for small businesses.

The program supports Apple's own device management system, which simplifies the MDM (mobile device management) lifecycle from setup to upgrades. It also provides strong security, prioritized support, and built-in data storage and backup.

For example, the Apple Business Essentials provides security mechanisms such as the ability to mandate FileVault and Activation Lock. There's also an option to keep personal data and business data separate on managed devices.

Apple also provides iCloud storage that can be synced across managed devices and kept separate from personal data. The iCloud support provides business users with the ability to backup, sync, and collaborate.

All of the functionality is available in the new Apple Business Essentials.

Additionally, Apple says that its program will support managed Apple IDs tied to Microsoft Azure Active Directory and, later in the spring, Google Workspace identity services.

Along with the debut of the announced service, Apple has also unveiled the option to add AppleCare+ for Business to their plans, which brings prioritized support — including 24/7 phone support access, training for IT staff and administrators, and up to two device repairs a year per plan.

Each individual employee can initiate repairs directly from the Apple Business Essentials app. An Apple-trained technician will be able to fix devices on-site in as little as four hours.

Apple is offering three separate and customizable Apple Business Essentials plans. That includes a $2.99-per-month single device plan, a multi-device plan that costs $6.99 per user monthly, and a multi-device plan with more storage for $12.99 per user, per month.

Additionally, Apple is also providing all new customers a two-month free trial to the service.