Apple will now have a database of companies who connect with the iPhone users for various purposes. Businesses of all sizes, including those who operate virtually, can register on the Apple Business Connect platform using an existing Apple ID or by creating one, for free. New features on the Business Connect include branded mail and caller ID.

This will allow businesses to appear on the platform with their name, logo, and department, create personalised place cards and engage with customers with branded promotions. With this update, businesses will appear across the screens of 1 billion Apple users.

As part of Apple Business Connect, verified businesses can create a consistent brand and location presence across apps. They will also have more control over how they appear within the Apple ecosystem, which includes listing in Apple Maps, Mail, Messages, Siri and Wallet.

“We’re excited to offer all businesses—including those without a physical location—the ability to create a brand that appears across the Apple apps that over a billion people use every day,” said David Dorn, Apple’s senior director of Internet Software and Services Product.

New Features in Business Connect

Branded Mail

With this feature, businesses can now display their brand name and logo in emails sent to customers. This ensures that emails are easily recognisable in the Apple Mail App. Companies can sign up for Branded Mail now, and the logos will begin appearing later this year.

Tap to Pay on iPhone

When accepting payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone, businesses can now choose to display their logo instead of a generic category icon. This allows customers to know they’re making payments to a trusted and verified business.

Business Caller ID

With the Business Caller ID feature, the name, logo and department of the companies will appear on the inbound call screen when they contact customers. Beginning next year, this feature will help customers distinguish verified businesses from spam callers and other unwanted calls.

Wondering how to register?

Virtual, online and service business owners can use their existing Apple Account or create a new Apple Account to register for Business Connect at the self-service website from their cell phone, desktop, tablet, or laptop computer.

Once the company has signed up, they can begin to customise their brand for free. Businesses also have the opportunity to manage their location presence at scale through listing management agencies like DAC Group, SOCi, Uberall, Rio SEO and Yext.