Apple and IBM have released new MobileFirst apps for iOS to iPhones and iPads at partner enterprises.

TechCrunch reports the first wave of 10 apps include a variety of applications focused on insurance businesses, financial institutions and government agencies. Sprint, Banorte, Air Canada and Citi will be the first companies to use the apps.

The app side of the IBM/Apple partnership is clearly about providing secure software that is analytics-driven. It covers a wide range of industry verticals. The apps can be fine-tuned to meet the needs of any organization with custom options.

The Verge reports that the Apple and IBM partnership seeks to enhance the business use of iPhones and iPads. For example, IBM's Incident Aware app for iOS transforms an iPhone into a crime prevention tool for law enforcement. Incident Aware gives officers the ability to call for back up, incident video feeds and real-time map access.

Two airline-aimed apps assist pilots to fuel efficiency and enable crew members to offer baggage information, special offers to flight customers and re-booking services.

Other apps include a tech support app to assist FaceTime customers and sales systems for retailers.

The apps designed for specific industries is the beginning of Apple's quest for acceptance in the business world.

"This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we can't wait to see the exciting new ways organizations will put iOS devices to work," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said. "The business world has gone mobile, and Apple and IBM are bringing together the world's best technology with the smartest data and analytics to help businesses redefine how work gets done."

IBM's plan is to sell iOS devices already loaded with the new apps to corporate clients.

More apps will debut in 2015 as the technology partners seek to move the iPad and iPhone into the travel, retail, banking, telecommunications, insurance and healthcare industries, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The IBM and Apple partnership is much more than simply the design and launch of business applications. The partners are also focused on device fleet sales, mobile device management and AppleCare tech support.

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