That’s right, you probably never thought you would see a headline like that but a lot has changed over the years. Back in the late 80s Apple and IBM were in a constant battle to prove whose product was better. While IBM focused more on the corporate side of things, Apple worked on revolutionizing the industry by creating a better, easier user experience.

Now both companies have decided that they need to look at things in a new light. Instead of seeing each other as competition, they have decided to work together to provide the user with an even better product than either one could offer on their own. On Dec. 10 2014, the companies released the first product formed as a result of their new partnership!

MobileFirst for iOS

MobileFirst on iPadIBMs MobileFirst apps are a great addition to the iOS store and are paving the way for future products from the Apple/IBM partnership. MobileFirst for iOS consists of 10 apps focused on finance, air-travel and banking. For a complete list of apps click here.

“What we’re delivering aims directly at the new quest of business—smart technologies that unlock new value at the intersection of big data and individual engagement. Our collaboration combines IBM’s industry expertise and unmatched position in enterprise computing, with Apple’s legendary user experience and excellence in product design to lift the performance of a new generation of business professionals.”

Bridget van Kralingen, IBM Global Business Services.

Future Opportunities

IBM and Apple Logos on the side of buildingsThis is just the first step in a partnership that benefits not only Apple and IBM but the user as well. Companies in other industries are in need of better apps, processes and programs that don’t sacrifice the power of what they are currently using. Now that both companies have seen what is possible when working together and combining strengths, the development of these apps will happen much faster!

Mike Gilfix, IBM’s director of Enterprise Mobile Product said in an interview with cio-today.com,  “The two companies will continue working together to develop future waves of apps for other industry sectors.  The goal is to eventually release more than 100 mobile apps for enterprise iOS users.”