On November 10, Apple announced the beta version of Apple Business Essentials, a subscription service for small businesses that consolidates device management, Apple support, and cloud storage into one. As a result, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to establish a management system similar to that of large IT departments, such as unifying management of employee device settings, installed work apps, and data backup, and receiving support from Apple or device repair and replacement with priority.
Business Essentials is a subscription service that integrates employee device settings, work app installation, 24/7 Apple support, and cloud storage data backup into one, and is targeted at companies with less than 500 employees.
In an announcement, Apple Vice President Susan Prescott said that Apple’s products are proud to play a role in supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses that are at the heart of the economy. It’s designed to streamline every step, from access to and priority support. While maintaining backups and security, businesses can focus on running their business, he said.
If you look at the functions included in Business Essentials, first, management using Collections. Collections are a feature that allows IT staff to manage user, group and device settings. Specifically, through the Business Essentials app, you can install work apps on employee devices or automatically apply VPN settings and Wi-Fi password input.
Next is security through file vault or activation lock. In terms of security, Mac FileVault, which encrypts the disk, or an activation lock to protect a lost or stolen device, can be enforced so that the function cannot be turned off at will. In addition, work data handled by employees can be encrypted and separated from employee personal data, making it possible to achieve both employee privacy and company data safety.
Next is storage and backup using an iCloud for business account. Since Business Essentials is assigned a dedicated iCloud account, you can store, backup and share files and documents. In addition, iCloud business data is automatically stored, making device migration and updates easier.
Comprehensive support and repairs are also available through AppleCare+ for Business Essentials. AppleCare+ for Business Essentials is an add-on option that includes 24/7 phone support, training available to both IT administrators and employees, and up to two hours of device repair per year. In addition, an Apple engineer will come to the site in as little as 4 hours and repair the device.
Business Essentials will be available in free beta in the US starting November 10, 2021. When officially launched in the spring of 2022, a single device plan with a monthly fee of $2.99 per device and 50 GB of storage. Multidevice, more storage at $6.99 per user for up to 3 devices and 200GB of storage; Multidevice, more storage at $12.99 per user per month for up to 3 devices and 2TB of storage ) that the plan is ready. Related information can be found here.
On the other hand, iOS apps only allow in-app billing through Apple, but in September 2021, when a lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple was issued, Apple was ordered to implement an option that accepts external payments. The deadline for implementation was December 9, 2021, but Apple has asked the courts to extend the deadline, and a judge has rejected Apple’s request, reports that Apple is more inclined to appeal, potentially significantly delaying the implementation of external payment options. is coming out
In August 2020, Epic Games, the developer of the popular game app Fortnite, implemented Epic Directory Payments, an in-app billing format that does not go through the App Store to prevent Apple from collecting fees. However, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, claiming that Epic Games violated the rules, and Epic sued for fair competition.
A September 11 ruling ordered Apple to recognize apps offered on its App Store other than the payment options Apple offers. Meanwhile, Epic Games’ claims that Apple interfered with fair competition and violated antitrust laws were dismissed.
Because the ruling ordered that payments made using external services within an iOS app be possible within 90 days, Apple had until December 9, 2021, to give iOS app developers the option to choose a payment method other than Apple by navigating from the app to an external site. I had to allow link and button implementations.
However, Apple demanded a reservation in the court order, saying it would take time to change these specifications. Apple wrote a letter stating that it was dealing with complex and rapidly evolving legal, technological and economic issues and would significantly impact the revision of the guidelines, but a judge rejected the request, saying Apple did not state how much time it would take. Consumers are accustomed to links from apps to browsers, and Apple has only said it will take time to revise its guidelines and has not shown any reason to believe that the commands will be a problem.
Apple is appealing against a ruling in October demanding non-Apple payment methods from the App Store, and according to Apple, it thinks that the suspension of the order is pending until the lawsuit is over. However, the judge rejected it, saying that it would require an annual unit of time to close the case.
Apple is seeking a reservation in the refusal of the request and plans to file a lawsuit in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Apple says it will insist on its idea that business changes should not be required until all lawsuits are closed. Related information can be found here.