Apple details how Google Workspace will integrate with Apple Business Manager

A few weeks ago, Apple announced it would integrate Apple Business Essentials with Google Workspace. Now, the Cupertino company has offered new details into how the Google Workspace integration will work within Apple Business Manager.

Apple Business Essentials was launched in November last year. It is a subscription-based service that serves small business owners in the US. The service combines device management, 24/7 support from Apple, iCloud storage, and even AppleCare+. It’s a simpler way for businesses to manage all their Apple devices.

Employees sign in using an Apple ID Managed to access their work account. After they have signed in they’ll be able to access everything that they require to work, such as the Apple Business Essentials app where they can get their favorite apps.

The Google Workspace integration will make cloud identity management easier for organisations without an IT department. Although the process was tedious in the past it is now much simpler.

Managed Apple IDs can be created by federating with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and, coming later this spring, with Google Workspace identity services, allowing employees to log in to their device with a single business username and password. Apple Business Essentials works with company-provided and personally owned devices, and with Apple’s User Enrollment feature, employees’ personal information stays private and cryptographically separated from work data

How to configure the authentication process

The Administrator or People Manager must first sign in to Apple Business Manager. Next to the name of account holder, click Preferences and then Accounts. Next to Federation, click Edit, Google Workspace, then Connect. After entering your Google Workspace administrator details, click “Sign In with Google”.

How to turn on federated authentication

Federated authentication must be turned on before synching with Google Workspace. Sign in as Administrator or People Manager and click the accountholder’s name. Click Preferences, Accounts and then Edit in the Domains section. Turn on federated authentication for each domain successfully added to the organization’s Apple Business Manager.

According to Apple it might take some time for each account to be updated. Additional details about the Google Workspace integration can be found on Apple’s Support site ..