If you are an IT administrator or a business owner looking to streamline the deployment of Apple devices within your organization, you have likely encountered Apple Business Manager (ABM). A common question arises: How much does it cost?
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The Short Answer: It is Free
The most important thing to understand is that Apple Business Manager itself is completely free to use. There is no subscription fee, no licensing cost, and no hidden “per-user” charge for simply having an account with Apple Business Manager.
ABM acts as a centralized portal for IT teams to automate device deployment, manage volume purchases of apps and books, and handle identity federation. Because it serves as the foundational “glue” for Apple’s enterprise ecosystem, Apple provides it as a complimentary service to any business that meets their verification requirements.
Where the Costs Actually Lie: MDM
While ABM is free, it is rarely useful on its own. To actually manage devices, deploy configurations, enforce security policies, and wipe lost hardware, you must pair ABM with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. This is where the actual costs begin.
Third-Party MDM Solutions
Most organizations opt for professional, third-party MDM platforms. Costs for these vary significantly based on features and support levels:
- Mosyle Business: Highly regarded for being cost-effective, often priced around $1 per device per month.
- JumpCloud: Offers a free tier for up to 10 devices, which is excellent for startups and very small businesses, though reliability for Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) can vary.
- Enterprise Solutions: Platforms like Jamf Pro offer robust, high-end features for large organizations, with pricing structures that scale accordingly.
Apple Business Essentials
Apple offers its own service called Apple Business Essentials. This is a subscription-based service that combines MDM features with cloud storage and priority support. Unlike ABM, this does have a monthly cost. However, it is important to note that you do not need to pay for Apple Business Essentials to use the core functions of Apple Business Manager.
Why You Should Invest in an MDM
While some businesses might be tempted to avoid the monthly costs of an MDM, professionals argue that the return on investment is immediate. Using an MDM allows you to:
- Automate Enrollment: Devices are “touched” by the MDM the moment they are unboxed.
- Security: Enforce FileVault, remote wipe capabilities, and password policies.
- Time Savings: If an MDM saves an IT administrator just three hours of manual setup time per year, it has effectively paid for itself.
The “Chain of Custody” Advantage
The primary power of ABM is the “Chain of Custody.” When you purchase devices from authorized resellers, they can be automatically registered to your ABM portal. This ensures that even if a device is factory reset, it remains tethered to your organization’s management profile. This is the gold standard for corporate security and asset management.
Final Recommendations
- Register for ABM: Since it is free, every business using Apple devices should have an account to maintain ownership of their hardware.
- Choose the Right MDM: Don’t just look for the cheapest option. Look for a balance of reliability and ease of use. If your team is small, look for providers with generous free tiers.
- Join the Community: For those just starting, resources like the MacAdmins Slack community provide invaluable, real-world advice from professionals who manage thousands of devices daily.
