Apple launches free business email service to challenge Google Workspace and Microsoft 365

Apple is stepping into the business email arena, directly competing with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 by offering a hosted email service tailored for enterprises. As part of its new Apple Business platform, the company now provides fully hosted email, calendar, and directory solutions for businesses with up to 500 users. This move makes Apple a legitimate contender beyond its hardware and consumer software reputation, targeting startups and new companies looking for an integrated service ecosystem.

The new service allows businesses to use their own custom domain or buy one via Apple. Each user receives 5 GB of free iCloud storage, with easy upgrades to plans up to 2 TB costing $0.99 per user per month-competitive pricing that undercuts many existing enterprise offerings. Features include calendar delegation, a company directory to enhance employee connectivity, and seamless syncing across Apple devices. Moreover, Apple supports open standards like IMAP for email and CalDAV for calendar, ensuring compatibility not only within the Apple ecosystem but also with Android and Windows clients.

Apple’s strategy focuses on new and small businesses rather than trying to lure established companies entrenched in Google or Microsoft ecosystems. It’s a smart angle-offering an all-in-one package of device management, domain registration, hosted email, and calendar right from the moment a new company buys its first MacBook and iPhone. While switching entire enterprises today is unlikely, Apple’s free offering could appeal as a no-cost alternative, especially as Google phased out free custom domain email by 2022 and Microsoft continues incremental price hikes.

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This move could disrupt the longstanding two-player dominance in enterprise email. Apple’s emphasis on standards-based compatibility lowers the friction for mixed-device workplaces, a practical nod recognizing IT realities where Windows and Android remain prevalent. Over time, Apple might expand this platform further, potentially adding more tools to rival Google Workspace or Microsoft 365's broader productivity suites.

Apple’s new business email service features and pricing

• Hosted email, calendar, and directory solutions for businesses with up to 500 users
• Custom domain support or domain purchase via Apple
• 5 GB of free iCloud storage per user
• Upgrades available up to 2 TB at $0.99 per user per month
• Calendar delegation and company directory
• Seamless syncing across Apple devices
• Supports IMAP (email) and CalDAV (calendar) for cross-platform compatibility