Apple’s Latest Business Manager Update: March 2025

March 13th, 2025

Apple’s Latest Business Manager Update: March 2025
Anh Nguyen

by Anh Nguyen

COO & Co-Founder at Gummicube, Inc

Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) are essential tools for organizations managing large numbers of Apple devices. In a world where mobility, remote work, and enterprise-level device management are integral to business success, these platforms provide IT teams with a powerful suite of tools to streamline device deployment, app distribution, and user management. With the increasing integration of Apple products into schools or workplace operations, staying ahead of new updates and functionalities in these systems is crucial for maximizing efficiency, security, and compliance.

The March 2025 update to Apple Business Manager is another step in this direction, offering new features that further enhance device tracking, accountability, and compliance—making it easier for schools and businesses to stay on top of their Apple ecosystem.

WHAT IS APPLE BUSINESS MANAGER?

Apple Business Manager is a comprehensive, web-based platform designed to help businesses and educational institutions manage and deploy Apple devices and apps at scale. The service integrates directly with a company’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, providing administrators with the tools needed to automate and streamline device enrollment, app management, and user role assignments across an organization.

ABM simplifies many of the critical tasks associated with device management, offering powerful functionality that helps administrators manage hardware and software throughout their entire lifecycle. With Apple Business Manager, organizations can:

  • Automate Device Enrollment: Devices purchased through ABM can be enrolled automatically into the organization’s MDM solution, enabling immediate configuration without needing to physically touch each device.
  • Simplify App Distribution: Apps and books can be purchased in bulk, assigned to specific devices or users, and remotely installed or updated, even if the App Store is disabled. ABM also allows administrators to revoke or reassign apps as needed, maintaining full control over their purchased content. This process works seamlessly across regions, allowing businesses to distribute apps globally, as long as they’re available in the local App Store of the region where the organization operates.
  • Role-Based Access Control: By defining specific roles within an organization, admins can grant or restrict access to different ABM features, ensuring that only authorized personnel can perform critical actions such as enrolling devices or assigning apps.

With these powerful features, Apple Business Manager is designed to reduce administrative overhead and enhance control over an organization’s Apple ecosystem, providing IT teams with the ability to manage devices, apps, and users efficiently.

THE ROLE OF APPLE BUSINESS MANAGER IN APP DISTRIBUTION

Apple Business Manager is especially valuable when it comes to managing and distributing apps at scale. For organizations deploying hundreds or thousands of devices, ensuring that the right apps are installed on each device is a critical task.

ABM allows administrators to buy apps in volume, assign them to devices or users, and remotely install and update those apps—without needing to rely on the App Store or manually managing each installation. This is particularly beneficial in large enterprises, where devices may be distributed across multiple locations or remotely.

Administrators maintain full ownership and control of the apps purchased through ABM. Apps can be reassigned or revoked from devices, providing flexibility for businesses to adapt to changes in user needs, device reassignments, or device replacements. This centralized control over app distribution ensures that users have immediate access to the tools they need while maintaining consistency across devices and locations.

ABM supports global app distribution, allowing organizations to distribute apps in different regions based on their needs. For example, if a business operates across the United States and Europe, apps can be assigned to users in both regions as long as those apps are available in each region’s App Store. This is particularly valuable for international organizations looking to maintain a consistent app experience across multiple countries.

The key takeaway here is that Apple Business Manager facilitates seamless and efficient app deployment across an organization, enhancing productivity and ensuring users always have the most up-to-date tools at their disposal.

Apple Business Manager March Update

MARCH 2025 APPLE BUSINESS MANAGER UPDATE

The March 2025 update to Apple Business Manager introduces improvements, particularly for IT teams in charge of managing Apple devices within enterprise environments. One of the standout features is the ability to track and document device releases, reassignments, and replacements, which provides a new level of transparency for administrators.

This new feature allows administrators to see who authorized the release of a device and when it occurred, creating an auditable record of all device-related actions. This is a valuable tool for organizations that manage large numbers of devices, ensuring that devices are tracked properly throughout their lifecycle. Whether a device is reassigned, replaced, or decommissioned, businesses now have a clear record of every action, allowing them to verify that devices are being handled appropriately and securely.

WHY THIS UPDATE MATTERS & HOW IT'S HELPFUL

The enhanced visibility into device movements offered by this update is especially beneficial for businesses in industries that are subject to regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, or education. In these sectors, strict compliance standards often require businesses to maintain an accurate record of their devices' statuses and movements. This could include tracking the release, removal, or replacement of devices, all of which can be crucial during audits or inspections.

For businesses, the update offers several key advantages:

  • Increased Transparency: With detailed documentation of who authorized each action, businesses can confidently track their devices throughout their lifecycle. This level of transparency not only reduces the chances of asset mismanagement but also ensures accountability within the organization.
  • Improved Compliance: For companies in highly regulated industries, maintaining an auditable trail of device-related actions is essential. The new tracking features help businesses prove compliance with industry standards, minimizing the risk of costly penalties or security breaches.
  • Better Device Management: For IT administrators, this update simplifies the process of tracking devices as they are reassigned, replaced, or decommissioned. Rather than relying on manual logs or disparate systems, administrators now have a single, cohesive record of device status. This reduces administrative burden and increases efficiency, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks.

This update is not just a minor enhancement but a significant step forward in how businesses can manage their Apple devices with greater control and confidence. The ability to track every action taken on a device—from its release to its replacement—gives organizations a streamlined, transparent way to maintain compliance, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiency. For industries with strict regulatory requirements, this added level of visibility can be a game changer, ensuring businesses are always audit-ready and equipped to meet compliance standards. By simplifying the process of device management, this update not only strengthens security but also frees up IT resources to focus on higher-value initiatives, further enhancing an organization’s ability to succeed in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

CONCLUSION: STREAMLINING OPERATIONS AND IMPROVING COMPLIANCE

The March 2025 update to Apple Business Manager gives new opportunities for businesses to manage their Apple devices. By offering enhanced tracking and visibility into device movements, this update equips IT teams with the tools needed to maintain better control, streamline operations, and ensure compliance across industries. The transparency provided by these new features simplifies auditing processes, reduces administrative overhead, and enhances security.

For businesses of all sizes, the ability to efficiently manage devices and track their status throughout their lifecycle ensures that valuable assets are not only well-maintained but also properly protected. IT administrators can now focus more on strategic initiatives, knowing that their device fleet is being accurately tracked and managed with minimal manual intervention.

Administrators can now meet both operational and regulatory demands more effectively, creating a more secure and efficient environment for managing Apple devices. This update allows organizations who use Apple Products to stay ahead of compliance requirements while optimizing their overall device management practices.

LET’S CHAT!

If you're looking to further optimize your device management strategy or enhance your app's visibility, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through the latest updates and best practices to ensure you're leveraging Apple Business Manager to its full potential. 

Gummicube’s team of ASO experts is here to support you in achieving long-term success. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help elevate your app and streamline your operations.

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