Apple Business Manager

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is Apple’s web portal that unifies Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) and Apps and Books. Connected to Codeproof MDM, ABM enables true zero-touch deployment for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with apps, settings, and security applied on first boot.

Why ABM + Codeproof?

  • Zero-touch (ADE): Ship devices straight to users — enrollment and configuration run automatically at first boot.
  • Supervision by default: Gain advanced restrictions and management on iOS/iPadOS when enrolled via ADE.
  • Mandatory MDM: Make Codeproof non-removable during Setup Assistant and after enrollment (per profile).
  • Apps and Books at scale: Purchase, assign, update, and revoke licenses, even if the App Store app is hidden.
  • Managed Apple IDs & roles: Create IDs, delegate admin tasks, and enable SSO via federation.
  • Locations: Segment licenses and management by site or department to match your org structure.
Automated Device Enrollment with ABM and Codeproof

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE)

Automate MDM enrollment and simplify Setup Assistant. Newly purchased or wiped Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple TV enroll into Codeproof with the right settings, restrictions, certificates, Wi-Fi/VPN, and apps, no IT touch required.

With Codeproof, you can remove Setup Assistant steps, enforce supervision, and ensure devices land fully configured on first sign-in.

Auto-enroll on activation; apps and policies apply immediately.

Apps and Books (formerly VPP)

Purchase and assign App Store apps and books in bulk. With Codeproof, IT can target devices or users, push updates, and manage licenses, even when the App Store app is hidden.

Your organization retains ownership of licenses: revoke and reassign as teams change, across any supported country.

Bulk app purchase and deployment via Apps and Books
Federated Authentication with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)

Federated Authentication

Link ABM to Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) so users sign in with existing corporate credentials. Use federation for Managed Apple ID creation and single sign-on to Apple services.

Federation streamlines both user identification and device assignment.

Managed Apple IDs

Managed Apple IDs are owned by your organization. Admins can create them in bulk, reset passwords, and assign roles such as Administrator, Staff, Device Manager, Content Manager, and People Manager.

Create IDs manually or via federation with Microsoft Entra ID to automate provisioning.

Managed Apple IDs administration
ABM locations for license segmentation

Configure Locations

Segment app and book licenses by office or business unit. Delegate management to local admins while maintaining central oversight and reporting.

A default location is created automatically; add more anytime and edit as your org evolves.

Role Management

Delegate with precision. Roles control access to enrollment settings, locations, Apps and Books, People (IDs), and federation. For example, only Administrators or People Managers can configure federation or set default ID formats.

ABM role-based access control
ABM activity log and status tracking

Activity Log

Track actions, status, and timestamps across ABM and MDM workflows. Visibility respects permissions; managers and admins see the right level of detail for their role.

How to set up ABM with Codeproof

  1. Sign up at business.apple.com and verify your domain.
  2. (Optional) Enable federation with Microsoft Entra ID for Managed Apple IDs.
  3. Add a new MDM server in ABM and upload the Codeproof public key or token as instructed.
  4. Assign devices (via Apple or reseller order numbers, or Apple Configurator for eligible existing devices).
  5. Create an ADE profile (supervision, non-removable MDM, Setup Assistant skip steps) and set it as default.
  6. Download your Apps and Books server token and upload it to Codeproof to sync licenses.
  7. Power on — devices enroll into Codeproof automatically and are ready to work.

Use our iOS/iPadOS enrollment guide for step-by-step instructions.

ABM setup flow with Codeproof

FAQs

Is Apple Business Manager free?
Yes. Apple Business Manager (ABM) has no licensing cost. You pay for devices and any paid apps or content purchased via Apps and Books. Sign up at business.apple.com.
What does Apple Business Manager do?
Apple Business Manager (ABM) links device serial numbers to your organization; works alongside your MDM (e.g., Codeproof) to enable Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) and supervision; and lets you purchase, assign, and revoke Apps and Books licenses. It also provides Managed Apple IDs, role-based permissions, and locations for delegated administration.
How do I assign my Apple devices to ABM?
If your ABM portal is set up, ask Apple or your participating reseller to assign new orders to your ABM Organization ID. Devices will automatically appear in ABM.
How do I add legacy Apple devices to ABM?
Use Apple Configurator to add eligible existing devices to ABM so they enroll via ADE on next activation. Codeproof engineers can assist.
Which devices are supported?
iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV purchased through Apple or participating resellers. Some existing devices may be added with Apple Configurator, where eligible.
What is supervision and do we get it automatically?
Supervision unlocks advanced management on iOS/iPadOS (for example, restricting factory reset). Devices enrolled via Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) are supervised automatically during Setup Assistant.
Can users remove MDM from Settings?
For ADE devices, you can make the Codeproof MDM profile non-removable in the enrollment profile. You can also restrict Erase All Content and Settings. If erased or restored, devices re-enroll automatically when activated if still assigned in ABM.
How do apps get assigned?
  1. Upload your Apps and Books server token to Codeproof.
  2. Purchase or approve free apps in ABM.
  3. Sync ABM with Codeproof to import apps and licenses.
  4. Assign apps to users or devices in Codeproof dashboard and set install policy.

Apps then install silently based on policy, even if the App Store app is hidden.

Maximize employee productivity through Codeproof