Apple Details iOS 7 Business Bonuses

As it sees its market share decline in Europe, Apple has unveiled a number of business-friendly features in the iOS 7 operating system, due for release in Autumn.

The iPhone maker had been quiet on the business benefits of iOS 7, but has finally opened up on various features that give IT more control over devices.

Apple will trample on some toes when it releases iOS 7, especially in the mobile device management (MDM) space, as it adds a feature allowing control over which apps and accounts can be used to open files.

Called ‘Managed open in’, the feature lets IT stop potentially dangerous files from being opened and shared in managed apps.

iOS 7 for business

However, MDM companies like Good Technology will be pleased to see new MDM protocol options, which allow IT to wirelessly set up managed apps and whitelist AirPlay destinations, amongst other actions.

The ‘Per app VPN’ lets users have applications automatically send data over a virtual private network, keeping data safe, whilst adding privacy protection.

Amongst the listed features, There is also enterprise single sign on (SSO), which means user logins can be used across apps.

Data in third-party apps is now automatically encrypted too, Apple said, “so information stored in App Store apps is protected with the user’s passcode until they first unlock their device after each reboot”.

“iOS 7 provides enhanced security, powerful new ways to configure and deploy devices at scale, and features to help businesses purchase, distribute, and manage apps with ease,” Apple added.

The company has recently seen its iOS market share slide. In Western Europe, having shipped 7 million iPhones in the first quarter of 2012, Apple shipped 6 million in the same period this year, seeing its market share decline 11 percent. Samsung, meanwhile, saw its market share rise 10 percent, according to analyst firm IDC.

Apple hopes iOS 7 and another new iPhone set to be released in the coming months, will help reverse this trend.

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