Apple this week announced an extension of the Apple Business Connect program, unveiling new iPhone features, including enhanced caller ID for businesses and brand logos in Mail. The Apple Business Connect program allows businesses to submit information about their company to be used in Apple Maps, Siri and other places across the operating system.
With the release of iOS 18.2, the Mail app will have the ability to display brand logos next to emails from participating businesses. Sometime next year, the Phone app will be able to show Caller ID info for incoming calls from businesses by displaying a logo badge and descriptive name. The new feature is designed to help users discern legitimate communications from spam and phishing attempts.
“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. “We designed Business Connect to empower businesses to present the best, most accurate information to Apple users. With today’s updates, we’re helping even more businesses reach customers, build trust, and grow.”
Apple Business Connect had been limited to businesses operating from brick-and-mortar physical locations. The program is now expanding to include virtual, online, and services businesses also.
Also for the first time, businesses can opt to have their logo or other custom art appear in the Tap to Pay interface, when using iPhone to accept contactless transactions.
When Business Caller ID is launched, verified calls from businesses will be indicated on the iPhone lock screen, with call information featuring their corresponding company name, logo and department label.
How to Register for Business Connect
Owners of virtual, online, and service businesses can now use their existing Apple Account — or create a new Apple Account — to register for Business Connect at the self-service website from any cell phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop computer.
Apple Business Connect is completely free to join. If you are a business interested in offering these integrations with Apple’s platforms, sign up with a free Apple Account at businessconnect.apple.com.
