CUPERTINO, Calif. ? Apple introduced a new platform called Apple Business on March 24, combining device management, business email, directory tools and local advertising options into one service aimed at companies of all sizes.

In Apple's announcement, the company said the platform includes built-in mobile device management, managed Apple accounts, custom-domain email and calendar, and a new Maps ad product scheduled to begin in the United States and Canada later this summer.

Apple said the service would launch on April 14 and replace Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager and Apple Business Connect. The transition details were outlined on Apple's business preview site, which says existing customer data from Business Connect will migrate automatically.

The announcement also carries a new pricing split for add-on services. Apple said in the newsroom release that core management tools will be free, while AppleCare+ for Business and expanded iCloud storage remain paid add-ons.

The package represents a broader push by Apple to make itself more central not just to corporate hardware fleets, but to the everyday operational tools smaller companies use to communicate, manage staff and reach customers.