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For nearly twenty years, Google has meticulously established its footprint in the enterprise sector, beginning with a significant launch in 2006. During that summer, Google unveiled Google Apps for Your Domain, the precursor to what would eventually evolve into Google Workspace. This initial version enabled businesses, schools, and organizations to utilize Gmail, Calendar, and Docs with their own unique domains. This was a monumental step forward, providing a simple yet effective alternative to conventional email hosting solutions and facilitating the deployment of Chromebooks.
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers oversaw an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Drawing from his experience managing firewalls, switches, mobile device management systems, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, thousands of Macs and iPads, Bradley shares insights on how Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build supporting networks, train users, and recounts stories from the front lines of IT management, as well as suggestions for how Apple could enhance its offerings for IT departments.
Google’s decision to introduce a free plan in its early days set it apart from competitors. This strategy attracted budget-conscious organizations eager to transition from on-premises email hosting or consumer-grade options (like [email protected]) without incurring extra expenses. By offering solid email hosting connected to custom domains at no charge, Google swiftly gained credibility and established a strong presence in the enterprise productivity arena.
This approach has proven successful as Google’s offerings have matured, rebranding from G Suite to Google Workspace. Presently, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are the titans of the cloud email market, with their comprehensive platforms serving as the preferred email and collaboration solutions for businesses across the globe. Google’s early focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness has significantly influenced today’s cloud productivity landscape.
Though alternatives such as Proton Mail, Spike for Teams, FastMail, and others have emerged with distinct offerings, they have not disrupted the supremacy of the “big two.” However, Apple might be positioned to unveil a new solution for businesses.
The building blocks are already here
Apple’s introduction of custom email domains for iCloud+ in 2021 was a modest yet meaningful step. This feature enables users to create personalized email addresses through Apple, primarily targeting individuals and families. Nevertheless, it suggests a broader potential moving forward.
Apple’s Managed Apple Accounts—currently utilized for educational and enterprise deployment—could seamlessly integrate with iCloud’s email hosting capabilities. The infrastructure is already established, and Apple has demonstrated a commitment to catering to business clients, evident in its robust enterprise device management and support initiatives.
While becoming a full-fledged competitor to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 may be ambitious, Apple doesn’t necessarily have to reach for such heights. Instead, it could establish itself as a straightforward, cohesive solution for organizations already embedded within the Apple ecosystem.
A complementary, not competing, approach
Organizations fully invested in Apple hardware—capitalizing on iPhones, iPads, and Macs—could gain from a native email and productivity solution. It wouldn’t need to rival Google or Microsoft on every feature. Rather, Apple could present a distinct offering: an email hosting and collaboration service that is intricately linked with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Envision this as Apple’s approach to enhancing the IT experience for companies already dedicated to its devices.
An Apple-centric email and collaboration suite could serve as an ideal solution for small businesses, educational institutions, or creative teams that value the simplicity and privacy Apple advocates. It could integrate native applications like Mail, Calendar, and Notes with iCloud’s existing functionalities, yielding a seamless experience without excessive complexity. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with Managed Apple Accounts and Apple Business Manager.
2025 feels like the right time to launch a business email solution
With Apple’s increasing focus on enterprise functionalities—such as enhanced MDM tools and more integrated business workflows—the prospect of the company launching a straightforward business email hosting solution appears increasingly viable. It wouldn’t be positioned as a direct replacement for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, but it doesn’t need to be. Apple’s strength lies in delivering refined, user-friendly solutions that complement its hardware.
If 2025 is the year Apple decides to take action, it could transform the way organizations perceive business email and collaboration. Apple doesn’t have to outmatch Google and Microsoft—it simply needs to provide its clients with an additional reason to remain loyal to the ecosystem they already trust.
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple.
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