Dive Brief:

• Apple announced Thursday it will partner with SAP to create iOS native enterprise apps. 
• The companies will use SAP’s HANA platform to create apps for iPhones and iPads.
• SAP will also deliver an iOS software development kit and training academy to allow customers to build their own business-tailored apps. 

Dive Insight:

"This partnership will transform how iPhone and iPad are used in enterprise by bringing together the innovation and security of iOS with SAP’s deep expertise in business software," said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

SAP CEO Bill McDermott sees iOS as a way to make its installed base more mobile friendly while helping his company look trendier to the iOS developer base.

Apple has recently been competing with Microsoft, Google and others to win more enterprise customers, pushing to get its products into more businesses as the consumer market becomes more saturated. 

Cook said building business and security features into iOS has helped make inroads in enterprise, as have recent partnerships with IBM and Cisco designed to help make Apple products perform better in business environments. But Cook admits the company still has a long way to go.

Last October, Apple said it generated $25 billion in revenue from its enterprise business over the last year. That number, he said, is a "very small amount compared to what the opportunity is."

Apple previously struck enterprise-focused partnerships with IBM and Cisco. The company is also working with Box and several other smaller technology companies to make the iPad and iPhone a more appealing work tool.