What is Apple Business Manager? A Guide to Getting Started with ABM

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a free tool designed to streamline the registration and management of iOS and macOS devices within organizations. It is essential for businesses or institutions that own multiple Apple devices, as it facilitates automated enrollment in Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems by registering devices' serial numbers and associating them with the organization's Apple Business customer ID. ABM is not an MDM itself but serves as a foundational layer for integrating with a third-party MDM, such as Apple Business Essentials, which offers additional management features like system updates, security settings, and device content control. While ABM simplifies device inventory management and app purchasing, it cannot perform active device management tasks, which necessitates pairing it with an MDM for comprehensive device oversight. By managing Apple IDs, purchased content, and allowing automated device provisioning, ABM reduces manual management efforts and supports seamless integration with Apple's cloud infrastructure to enhance device management efficiency.