Apple Business Manager: Simplifying Deployment, Security & Control
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a free, web-based portal designed to help organisations deploy and manage Apple devices at scale.
What Is Apple Business Manager?
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a free, web-based portal designed to help organisations deploy and manage Apple devices at scale.
Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, ABM simplifies device enrolment, app distribution, and policy enforcement — especially when paired with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.
ABM provides IT administrators with a centralised platform to:
- Enrol Apple devices into management systems
- Configure settings and security policies
- Distribute apps and content
- Manage Apple IDs for employees
It integrates with Apple’s Device Enrolment Program (DEP) and Volume Purchase Program (VPP), streamlining workflows for organisations using macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices.
Creating an Apple Business Manager Account
To get started, your organisation must
- Have a valid DUNS number.
- Register with Apple using a business Apple ID.
- Verify your organisation via a phone call from Apple.
- Set up a Managed Apple ID and retrieve your Organisation ID.
- Add your reseller using Reseller ID.
Once verified, you can begin enrolling devices and linking them to your MDM server.
Learn more about Creating an Apple Business Manager Account
Do You Need Mobile Device Management (MDM) with ABM?
Technically, ABM can function without an MDM. However, using ABM without an MDM like Shepherd or Jamf limits functionality:
- Manual device setup via Apple Configurator 2
- No remote locking, wiping, or policy enforcement
- No automatic app deployment
Pairing ABM with an MDM unlocks full automation, security, and scalability.
Explore the blog: Do you need an MDM with Apple Business Manager?
How to Link ABM with an MDM
Choose an MDM solution (e.g. Shepherd, Jamf).
In ABM, go to Settings > MDM Servers > Add MDM Server.
Upload the public key from your MDM.
Assign devices to the MDM server.
Configure automatic enrolment profiles in your MDM.
This ensures devices are managed from the moment they’re activated.
Distributing Apps with ABM
ABM supports bulk app purchasing and deployment via the Volume Purchase Program (VPP).
You can:
- Assign apps to users or devices
- Reclaim and reassign licences
- Push updates remotely
This streamlines app management across departments and roles.
Learn more about How To Distribute Apps with Apple Business Manager
Business Benefits of ABM
Security: Remotely lock or wipe lost/stolen devices.
Efficiency: Automate device setup and app deployment.
Scalability: Easily manage growing Apple fleets.
Compliance: Enforce security and privacy policies.
BYOD Support: Manage employee-owned devices securely.
Learn more about the Benefits of Apple Business Manager
Common Use Cases
New Device Rollouts: Seamless setup for new hires.
Remote Work: Manage devices without physical access.
Device Refresh Cycles: Prepare for upgrades with minimal disruption.
BYOD Management: Secure employee-owned devices.
Final Thoughts
Apple Business Manager is a powerful tool for any organisation using Apple hardware. While it can operate independently, pairing it with an MDM solution like Shepherd or Jamf unlocks its full potential. From device enrolment to app deployment, ABM simplifies IT workflows and enhances security.
For more detailed guidance, explore the full blog series linked throughout this guide.