Apple launches “Made for Business” in select stores around the world

'Made for Business' is a special series within the Today at Apple programming, designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It offers free opportunities to learn how Apple products and services, such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Essentials, and Tap to Pay on iPhone, can support business growth and success. The sessions are led by small business owners who share their experiences and insights on using Apple's offerings to enhance their operations and customer engagement.

To participate in 'Made for Business' sessions, small business owners and entrepreneurs can sign up for these events which kick off during National Small Business Week in the U.S. The sessions are scheduled throughout May in cities like Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., with ongoing programming in select stores around the world throughout the year. Interested attendees can register for these sessions at apple.com/today/groups.

Apple Business Essentials offers a comprehensive subscription service that combines device management, 24/7 support, and cloud storage, enabling business owners to easily manage their organization's Apple devices. It allows for scaling up as the business grows and provides a platform for easy onboarding of new employees and setup of new Apple devices. This service helps businesses focus on their core operations rather than tech support.

Tap to Pay on iPhone is a feature that allows businesses to accept in-person contactless payments without the need for additional hardware or payment terminals. It supports contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets through just an iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS app. The feature is designed to keep business and customer data private and secure, and is currently available in countries including Australia, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Ukraine, the U.K., and the U.S.

Apple Business Connect is a free tool that allows businesses of all sizes to manage how they appear to over a billion Apple users across various apps like Apple Maps, Messages, Wallet, Siri, and more. It enables businesses to directly manage their information on the Apple Maps place card, create Custom Action Links to their website or preferred platforms, and facilitate customer interactions such as placing orders or making reservations directly from the place card.