Apple Device Management: What is Apple VPP

What is the Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)?

The Apple Volume Purchase Program, or Apple VPP, is an easy-to-use solution provided by Apple to enable IT admins managing enterprise Apple devices to buy, distribute, and manage applications and books in bulk onto iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. It’s designed for organizations managing large fleets of Apple devices, such as schools, enterprises, or healthcare institutions.

Let’s understand Apple VPP with a simple use case:

Picture this: You’re an IT admin at a growing educational institution managing hundreds of iPads distributed across multiple campuses. A new licensed app needs to be installed on all student devices—before tomorrow morning’s classes begin. You don’t have time to manually download the app on each device, and asking students to do it themselves would be chaotic and unreliable. Sound familiar?

This is exactly the kind of challenge Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP) is designed to solve. 

Organizations can integrate Apple VPP with their preferred Apple Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions like SureMDM to purchase apps and books in bulk and distribute onto enterprise devices.  

🔄 Integration of Apple VPP into Apple Business Manager (ABM)

Apple has streamlined its device and content management services over the years. In 2019, Apple integrated the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) and the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) into a single platform called Apple Business Manager (ABM) for businesses and Apple School Manager (ASM) for educational institutions.

IT admins can seamlessly manage and automate app deployment across devices by integrating ABM with MDM solutions like SureMDM.

💡 How Does Apple VPP Work?

Getting started with Apple VPP is simple. IT teams begin by creating an account on the Apple ABM/ASM portal, completing the necessary verification process, and setting up administrators and payment details.

Once verified, IT admins can purchase app and book licenses in bulk and use an Apple MDM solution—like SureMDM—to distribute them seamlessly to managed iOS/iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. IT admins can revoke or reassign licenses as needed, ensuring complete control.

Final Thoughts on Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)

Managing a large fleet of Apple devices doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the integration of the Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP) into Apple Business Manager (ABM)—and the added power of a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution like SureMDM—IT admins can streamline app and book distribution, reduce manual effort, and ensure devices are consistently up to date and secure.

Whether you're in education, enterprise, or healthcare, Apple VPP combined with Apple MDM empowers your organization to scale faster, work smarter, and stay in control—all from a centralized platform.

FAQs

What is the Apple VPP?

Apple VPP is a solution that allows organizations to purchase, manage, and distribute apps and books in bulk across Apple devices using an MDM solution.

Who can use Apple VPP?

Apple VPP is ideal for businesses, schools, and healthcare institutions managing a large fleet of Apple devices (iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS)

Is Apple VPP free?

Yes, Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)—now part of Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM)—is free to use. There is no cost to enroll or access VPP features like bulk app distribution and license management. However, you will still need to pay for any paid apps or books you choose to purchase through the platform.

Can I use Apple VPP without an MDM? 

No. To distribute and manage VPP-purchased content, integration with an MDM solution is required.

What devices are supported with Apple VPP?

Apple VPP supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS devices that are managed via a compatible MDM solution.

How do I get started with Apple VPP?

Start by creating an account on Apple Business Manager (for businesses) or Apple School Manager (for schools). After verification, you can integrate with an MDM like SureMDM to begin purchasing and deploying apps.

What types of apps can be distributed from Apple VPP?

You can distribute free and paid apps available on the App Store, and also custom enterprise apps.