Apple Business Manager User Guide: Mastering App Distribution

Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) are essential platforms for organizations and educational institutions looking to efficiently manage and distribute apps. These platforms streamline the process of volume purchasing and deploying applications to employees or students, ensuring seamless access to the tools they need. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of app distribution within Apple Business Manager, helping you leverage its features to optimize your organization’s app ecosystem.

Understanding App Distribution Options in Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager offers versatile options for distributing apps, catering to different organizational needs and app types. Whether you’re deploying public apps from the App Store, offering discounted apps to educational institutions, or distributing custom, in-house applications, ABM provides the flexibility and control you require.

Public Distribution: Making Your App Available to All

By default, every app available on the App Store is also accessible for volume purchase through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager at the same listed price. This means any application you’ve published on the App Store can readily be distributed to businesses and educational institutions via these platforms. This accessibility simplifies the process for organizations to equip their teams with necessary public-facing apps.

To ensure your app is publicly available:

1. Navigate to App Store Connect.
2. Select My Apps and choose the specific app you wish to manage.
3. Go to Pricing and Availability.
4. In the App Distribution Methods section, ensure Public is selected.

Reduced Pricing for Educational Institutions

Recognizing the importance of educational tools, Apple allows developers to offer their apps at a 50% reduced price for qualifying educational institutions purchasing 20 or more units. This option is particularly beneficial for apps designed for educational purposes, making them more accessible to schools and universities.

To offer a reduced price:

1. In App Store Connect, go to My Apps and select your app.
2. Under Pricing and Availability, find the App Distribution Methods section.
3. Select Public.
4. Check the box for “Offer a reduced price on Apple School Manager for volume purchases.”

Remember, this pricing option must be configured before your app is approved on the App Store. Once approved and set up, educational institutions can find your app in the Apps and Books section within Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.

Private Distribution: Custom Apps for Specific Organizations

Apple Business Manager also supports the distribution of custom apps, designed for specific organizations or internal use. This is ideal for proprietary apps tailored to unique workflows, security needs, or functionalities required within a particular company or institution. Developers retain full intellectual property rights and control over these custom apps.

Custom apps can be designed with:

• Tailored User Interface: Specific branding and look and feel.
• Custom Functionality: Features catering to specific processes or workflows.
• IT Environment Configuration: Special settings for seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure.
• Enhanced Security: Features to protect sensitive company data.
• Partner/Client Specific Features: Custom tools for partners, clients, dealers, franchises, or employees.

To distribute a custom app privately:

1. In App Store Connect, select My Apps and choose your app.
2. Go to Pricing and Availability, and then to App Distribution Methods.
3. Select Private.
4. Choose either Organization ID or Apple Account under Type, and enter the necessary details.

You will need the Organization ID of the specific business or educational institution you are targeting. For organizations still using the legacy Volume Purchase Program, you can use their volume purchasing Apple Account. After approval, the designated organizations will find the app in the Custom Apps section of their Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager accounts. Distribution can then be managed via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions or redemption codes.

Finding Your Organization ID in Apple Business Manager

To privately distribute custom apps, you’ll need the Organization ID of your client or partner. Here’s how organizations can find their Organization ID:

1. Administrators should sign in to Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
2. In the sidebar menu, click on Settings.
3. Select Enrollment Information.
4. The Organization ID is displayed in the Organization Information section.

Conclusion

Apple Business Manager simplifies and enhances app distribution for organizations of all sizes. By understanding the various distribution methods – public, reduced pricing for education, and private custom apps – you can effectively deploy the right apps to the right users within your organization. Leveraging ABM ensures efficient management, volume purchasing benefits, and tailored app experiences, ultimately boosting productivity and engagement across your institution or business. Explore Apple Business Manager to streamline your app distribution strategy and empower your users with the tools they need to succeed.