Apple Inc. introduced a new platform that helps businesses manage devices and reach customers, in part by making it easier to advertise on its Maps app.
The offering — called Apple Business — lets users configure employee groups and device settings, the company said in a statement Tuesday. The free service will be available April 14 in more than 200 countries and regions, Apple said.
“Apple Business is a significant leap forward in our decades-long commitment to helping companies of all sizes leverage the power of Apple products and services to run and grow,” Susan Prescott, vice president of enterprise and education marketing, said in the statement.
The introduction is part of a push by the tech giant to generate more money from services. Though the company isn't charging customers for Business, it's meant to help spur spending on advertising — a growing focus for Apple.
With the Maps ads, businesses will appear more prominently when Apple users search for relevant terms. The company plans to begin offering the option this summer in the US and Canada. Bloomberg News reported earlier this week that Apple was preparing to announce the Maps ads.
Read More: Apple Is Set to Add Search Advertising to Maps in Services Push
Apple Business also will help businesses reach customers through the Mail and Wallet apps and the Siri digital assistant, the company said.
The Cupertino, California-based iPhone maker long offered a similar program called Apple Business Connect.
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