Apple Business‑account creation (Apple Business Manager)

This guide explains step‑by‑step how to create and set up an Apple Business account (Apple Business Manager, ABM). ABM is intended for organisations that want to manage devices, apps and accounts centrally – ideal for schools, companies and any organisation with multiple Apple devices.

What is Apple Business Manager and why do you need it?

Apple Business Manager is Apple’s online portal where you centrally manage devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Apple‑specific features such as Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), and purchases/licenses for apps and books. It enables easy roll‑out, security and administration – especially when you have many devices or multiple users.

Important things to know before you start

• You need a corporate email domain (preferably an email address on your company domain) to register the organisation.

• Your organisation must be able to prove its legal status and contact details (Chamber of Commerce number or equivalent, official address information).

• An administrator must be authorised to register and verify on behalf of the organisation.

Step 1 – Prepare your data

Gather the following information before you begin so the registration runs smoothly:

• Full official company name as registered with the Chamber of Commerce (or a comparable authority).

• Business contact address and telephone number.

• Chamber of Commerce number (or other registration number) and organisation type.

• A business e‑mail address that uses your domain (e.g., admin@company.com) for verification and management.

Step 2 – Go to Apple Business Manager

Open business.apple.com in your browser. Click “Enroll now” (or “Aanmelden”). You will be asked to sign in with an Apple ID – preferably a personal or central management Apple ID that will retain access to the account.

Step 3 – Enter organisation details

Accurately fill in the requested organisation information (name, address, phone, website). Ensure these details match official registrations; discrepancies can delay verification.

Step 4 – Management contact and roles

Enter a contact person authorised to act on behalf of the organisation. This person will receive communications from Apple during verification and setup. Additional administrators and roles (Device Manager, Content Manager, Administrator) can be added later.

Step 5 – Domain verification (optional but recommended)

Apple may ask you to verify your e‑mail domain to confirm ownership. Add the TXT record Apple provides to your domain’s DNS:

• Log in to your DNS provider or hosting control panel.

• Add the TXT record supplied by Apple to your domain’s DNS.

• Wait for DNS propagation, then click “Verify” in ABM.

Domain verification makes user management and automated device enrolment easier and more secure.

Step 6 – Legal verification

Apple may request additional documents to verify the organisation (e.g., Chamber of Commerce extract, tax information, or a government‑issued ID of the contact person). Have digital copies of these documents ready.

Step 7 – Account approval by Apple

After submission Apple begins verification. This can take a few days up to a week, depending on the information provided and any follow‑up questions. Updates are sent via e‑mail to the contact address you entered.

Step 8 – Initial setup after gaining access

Once you have access you can start configuring your ABM environment:

• Users and groups: create accounts for administrators and staff and assign roles.

• Device Enrollment: link your MDM vendor (e.g., Jamf, Mosyle, Intune) for automatic device enrolment.

• Content and Apps: purchase and assign apps and books via the Apps & Books section (VPP/volume purchase).

• Apple IDs management: decide how to manage Apple IDs – Managed Apple IDs for employees or federation with SSO where available.

Step 9 – Connect a Device Management (MDM) solution

To enable central rollout and management you must connect an MDM provider in ABM:

• Select your MDM provider and download the required token/information.

• Upload the provider token in ABM and configure automatic device assignment.

• Test with one or two devices before performing a full roll‑out.

Step 10 – Managed Apple IDs and roles

Create Managed Apple IDs for staff if you need full control over apps, iCloud and device management. Assign appropriate roles (Device Manager, Content Manager, People Manager) so responsibilities stay separated and secure.

Step 11 – Apple Maps and location data

If you want your organisation to appear in Apple Maps, companies normally register via Apple Maps Connect using an Apple ID. Ensure the location details (address, opening hours, website) match other listings (Google, website, directories).

Step 12 – Security and compliance

Implement security measures from day one:

• Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) for all administrator accounts.

• Limit admin privileges to a small number of trusted individuals.

• Configure management policies, encryption and device passcode requirements via your MDM.

Common questions (FAQ)

• How long does registration take? – Apple’s verification typically takes a few business days up to a week, sometimes longer if additional documents are required.

• Can I change MDM providers later? – Yes, but plan the migration carefully; some steps may require re‑enrollment or deregistration of devices.

• What’s the difference between Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager? – Functionally similar, but Apple School Manager is tailored specifically for educational institutions (student management, education licences).

Useful links & resources

• Apple Business Manager (official site)

• Apple Business Manager support

• Apple Developer – business resources

Checklist before going live

• Organisation details verified and correct.

• Domain verification completed (if applicable).

• MDM linked and initial test devices successfully enrolled.

• Administrators and roles assigned with 2FA enabled.

• Apps and content assigned via the Apps & Books section.