Apple pushes Maps ads in free training-wheels business bundle

Summary

Apple has simplified its business services by combining and rebranding them, and is giving away the reformulated enterprise offering for free. When technology companies use the word "free," that often means advertising. And that's what Apple has in mind. On April 14, Apple Business will replace three currently distinct services – Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Manager. Connect and Manager are free, but Essentials requires a subscription that starts at $2.99 per device/month. The newly combined service will be available at no charge. Apple will monetize it with a service called Ads on Maps, due to launch this northern summer. Cupertino will make Apple Business available in more than 200 countries and regions. But Mozillans appear to be unwelcome: Firefox is not presently supported for Apple Business Manager. The fruit company describes Apple Business as a platform for managing devices, reaching customers (through advertising), equipping employees with software and hardware, and seeking support. There's a device management component, a function available through Apple Business Manager since 2018. It provides managed Apple Accounts, employee management tools, app distribution, and an admin API. There's also now a configuration templating function called Blueprints, so companies can set up apps and devices. Apple isn't entirely forgoing revenue opportunities here: Apple Business comes with the option to purchase extra iCloud storage and support through AppleCare+ for Business. "Customers in the US can purchase additional iCloud storage up to 2TB per user, starting at $0.99 per user per month," according to the iBiz. "AppleCare+ for Business coverage is available per device or per user, starting at $6.99 per month, or $13.99 per month per user for up to three devices." Henry Patel, chief strategy officer at Jamf, a mobile device management business, told The Register in an email that Apple's continued investment in the business expe...