How does Apple Business Manager work with MDM?

ABM links your organization's Apple devices to your MDM server. When a device is purchased through Apple or an authorized reseller and registered in ABM, it is automatically assigned to your MDM. On first boot, the device contacts Apple's servers, receives its MDM enrollment profile, and configures itself with your organization's apps, settings, and security policies without user intervention.

What is the difference between Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager?

Apple Business Manager is designed for enterprises, while Apple School Manager is tailored for education. Both provide device enrollment and app distribution, but School Manager adds features specific to education: Shared iPad for Students, class management integration with Apple Classroom, and student Apple IDs managed by the school. Businesses should use ABM; educational institutions should use ASM.

Can I use Apple Business Manager for BYOD devices?

ABM is primarily designed for organization-owned devices. For BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), employees enroll their personal devices directly through the MDM enrollment URL or QR code, not through ABM. However, ABM can still manage app distribution for BYOD devices using VPP (Volume Purchase Program) licenses, allowing IT to assign and reclaim apps without requiring personal Apple IDs.

Apple Business Manager works faster with Appaloosa.

Q: What is Apple Business Manager?

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is Apple's web portal for IT administrators to manage Apple device enrollment, app purchases (via VPP), and Managed Apple IDs. It connects to your MDM solution to enable zero-touch deployment: new iPhones, iPads, and Macs are automatically enrolled and configured when they are powered on for the first time, without any manual setup.

Apple Business Manager works better with Appaloosa. We provide full integration for simpler iOS app deployments and user management.

Deploy Custom Apps automatically to employees or partners with or without Mobile Device Management.

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Sync and ship your private iOS apps

Appaloosa and Apple Business Manager work seamlessly together. Publish your apps to Apple Business Manager, Appaloosa will handle the distribution to your users.

Sync apps from Apple Business Manager

Appaloosa contains your apps from all distribution channels including Apple Business Manager. Your Apple Business Manager apps will be automatically imported to your administration console, alongside other apps you need to deploy.

Manage users with access

Any user can be invited by email and will receive all instructions to set up the store on their device and download the app instantly.

Instant app install

Users will download the app directly from the private section of Apple’s App Store. No iOS profile or configuration required.

Automated redemption codes management

For unmanaged devices, Apple Business Manager relies on redemption codes to allow users to download. Instead of generating and assigning redemption codes manually, Appaloosa manages it automatically for you.

Generate redemption codes

Get redemption codes from Apple Business Manager to allow any users to access your app.

Upload to Appaloosa

Import your redemption codes to Appaloosa as a xls file.

Automated code management

Appaloosa will automatically manage redemption codes and assign available ones to new or existing users.

Highlights

Apple Business Manager, faster

Group Management Deploy Selectively: Define user groups to target the right apps to the right users. Only user groups with access will be able to download your app.
Single Sign-On Protect App Access: Connect Appaloosa with your own directory using SAML v2 or OAuth to simplify user provisionning.

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Auto-updates Apps, always up to date: All apps listed in Appaloosa will automatically update whenever you publish a new version.