Apple today announced the official launch of its Business Essentials service designed to help out small businesses that use Apple products. The service was previously available in a beta capacity to a limited number of businesses, but now it is available to any small business that wants to participate.
Business Essentials, available to businesses with up to 500 employees, is a subscription-based service that provides device management features that include setup and onboarding, iCloud storage, and optional 24/7 access to Apple Support through AppleCare+ for Business, another new addition.
AppleCare+ for Business can be added to any Apple Business Essentials plan, and it offers 24/7 access to phone support, training for both IT administrators and employees, and up to two device repairs per plan — by individual, group, or device — each year.
Apple Business Essentials is priced at $2.99 per user to $12.99 per user, with the price varying based on the number of devices and the amount of iCloud storage that each employee needs. A two month free trial is available to all customers, including those who used the service in beta.
