Apple Business Manager
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is the organization account Apple issues. VN-MDM does not replace that site. You keep the device list and app licenses at Apple, then connect them to the console so devices receive work.
- 1 · At AppleABM account Organization, purchased devices, app licenses.
- 2 · DevicesADE A serial enrolls itself when the device is turned on.
- 3 · LicensesApps & Books token Bring the license count into VN-MDM.
- 4 · InstallApp catalog Choose an app and tell devices to install it.
Two different jobs, one Apple account
| Company devices (ADE) | Apps (Apps & Books) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for | A new or freshly wiped device enrolls itself, usually supervised. | Assign apps in bulk, without an Apple Account on each device. |
| On Apple’s site | Assign serials to your MDM server. | Buy or claim apps, then download the location’s token file. |
| In VN-MDM | Connect ADE, review serials, assign the setup profile. | Upload the token, then work in the app catalog. |
| If this part is missing | You can still enroll with a manual link. The device will not enroll itself out of the box. | You can still add an App Store app to the catalog, but the device may ask for an Apple password at install. |
Register the organization with Apple
You do this on Apple’s site, before the ADE buttons and the token are useful. Apple needs organization details and a person who can approve the account. Review can take one to two weeks. Once you can sign in to Apple Business Manager, return to the two connection pages above.
Add retail devices to Apple Business Manager
If company devices were purchased at retail (not assigned by a reseller), starting with iOS 16 you can use the Apple Configurator app on an iPhone to scan the animating cloud on the setup screen to bring the serial into your organization’s ABM account. See the Rollout map for details.