Apple, T-Mobile to Offer Subsidized iPhones, Services to Small-Businesses

T-Mobile US and Apple are working on a connectivity phone plan that will include subsidized iPhones and a suite of paid services from Apple aimed at small-business owners, Reuters is reporting.

Last year, Apple announced Business Essentials, an enterprise subscription service for businesses with small or non-existent IT departments that need to manage tons of iPhones and other Apple devices for their workers.

“Apple Business Essentials is designed to help streamline every step of employee device management within a small business — from setup, onboarding, and upgrading, to accessing fast service and prioritized support, all while keeping data backed up and secure, so companies can focus on running their business.”

Using Apple’s subscription service, businesses can install and update apps and provide cloud storage to employees. This T-Mobile deal will also help Apple with the distribution of Business Essentials.

According to Reuters, the new T-Mobile plan will cover the cost of an iPhone 13 for each of a business’s employees and will “bundle Business Essentials together with T-Mobile’s wireless service.” The cost may be as low as $50 per month.

T-Mobile will be handling all customer billing under the new deal.

“We built a plan around Apple Business Essentials that gives small businesses everything that they’re going to need to keep their employees connected,” Callie Field, president of T-Mobile’s business group, said in an interview.

The T-Mobile plan also includes AppleCare+, Apple’s insurance program that covers repairs or replacement for damaged devices.

T-Mobile said the plan also includes Wi-Fi coverage on flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, with United Airlines coming later this year.