What is Apple Business Manager? Do you really need it?

The key to managing Apple devices without complications

Apple Business Manager (ABM): What It Is and Why Your Company Might Need It

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is an essential tool for companies managing Apple devices at scale. Integrated directly with Apple MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions, it offers automation, security, and centralized control.But… do you really need it in your organization?

In this article, we’ll explain what Apple Business Manager does, how it works, what benefits it brings, and share real-world use cases.

The Key to Effortless Apple Device Management

Manually managing iPhones, iPads, and Macs can quickly become a headache for any IT team. Apple Business Manager centralizes the process, automating MDM enrollment, distributing content, and linking corporate identities — all from a single platform.

ABM is especially useful for companies with:

A large number of Apple devices
Remote teams
A constant need to configure new devices

Best of all: no physical handling of the devices is required.

How Does Apple Business Manager Work? Key Concepts

Apple Business Manager acts as a bridge between Apple and your MDM solution.

It’s based on three core pillars:

Devices: Any iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV purchased through authorized resellers can be automatically added to your ABM account and linked to your MDM.
Managed Apple IDs: Create corporate identities with restricted access to Apple services.
Content distribution: Purchase and distribute apps and books in volume — no personal Apple IDs needed.

This significantly reduces manual intervention, minimizes configuration errors, and saves time from day one.

Discover How ABM and MDM Work Together for Smarter Device Management

What is MDM and how does it benefit your company?

Key Benefits: More Control, Less IT Effort

Implementing Apple Business Manager provides clear advantages:

Automated provisioning: New devices are configured automatically according to defined policies.
Easy app distribution: No personal accounts required — full control over deployment.
Remote supervision: Lock, wipe, or reassign devices in seconds.
Scalability: Ideal for growing companies or multi-location operations.
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration: Everything just works — no friction.

Security in Apple Business Manager: Is It Truly Reliable?

Security is a core foundation of ABM. Key features include:

MDM removal prevention: Devices can’t be unlinked or reset without authorization.
Supervised mode: Enables advanced restrictions and functionality control (camera, AirDrop, etc.).
Role-based access management: Assign different permission levels for admins, operators, or purchasing staff.
Audit trail and logs: All actions are recorded — ensuring compliance and transparency.

Pentesting: Strengthen Apple Device Security with Penetration Testing

Identify and fix vulnerabilities in your Apple devices and harden your security using ABM.

Setek Explains: How to Integrate ABM with MDM – Step by Step

At SETEK, we help clients integrate Apple Business Manager with MDM solutions like Jamf, Mosyle, or Kandji in a simple and effective way. The usual process includes:

Registration in Apple Business Manager
Linking with your selected MDM provider
Automatic enrollment of corporate Apple devices
Defining configuration policies and profiles
Automated app and resource deployment

We also provide training and technical support so your IT team can manage everything independently.

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Real-World Examples: Companies That Optimized Operations with ABM

A digital marketing agency with 25 employees uses iPhones and MacBooks. Thanks to ABM, each new device is automatically configured with email, apps, and restrictions. Their IT team saves over 30 hours per month.
A private school with 60 iPads uses ABM to enforce app restrictions, avoid personal Apple ID use, and distribute educational content in seconds.
A tech consulting firm with remote employees uses ABM and MDM to supervise all devices, apply security policies, and ensure GDPR compliance.

Do You Need Apple Business Manager?

If you manage Apple devices, work with remote teams, or want to reduce the operational burden on your IT department, the answer is yes — you need Apple Business Manager. And the sooner you implement it, the faster you’ll see the benefits.

At SETEK, we guide you through the entire process — from planning to configuration to ongoing support. We’re experts in Apple solutions for businesses, and we can help you get the most out of your digital environment.

Book your free consultation [HERE]