Why are Apple Business Connect logos not showing in Apple Mail even after domain and email verification?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 7 Aug 2025
Updated 17 Aug 2025
8 min read
Setting up Apple Business Connect to display your brand logo in Apple Mail can be incredibly exciting. It promises enhanced brand recognition and trust for your recipients. I know the feeling of envisioning that logo prominently displayed in the inbox, making your emails instantly recognizable.
However, it can be quite frustrating when you've gone through the entire verification process, confirmed your company, approved your brand, and verified your domains and email addresses, only to find your logo is still missing. I've heard this sentiment from many senders, and it's a common stumbling block.
Apple's documentation can sometimes be a bit ambiguous, especially concerning the timelines for when logos are expected to appear. Messages like "Your brand may display later" or details about different display schedules for email addresses versus domains can add to the confusion.
In this guide, I will walk you through the common reasons why your Apple Business Connect logo might not be showing up and provide practical steps to troubleshoot the issue. My goal is to help you ensure your brand logo appears as intended, boosting your email deliverability and recipient trust.
Understanding Apple Business Connect branded mail
Apple Business Connect's Branded Mail feature allows businesses to display their logo directly in the inbox of Apple Mail users. This isn't just a cosmetic addition, it’s a powerful tool for building immediate trust and brand recognition. When recipients see a familiar logo, they are more likely to open and engage with your email, rather than marking it as spam or ignoring it.
The process involves several stages, starting with verifying your company, then adding and getting your brand details approved, and finally verifying your sending domains and individual email addresses. Apple's rigorous verification process ensures that only legitimate businesses can display their logos, which helps protect users from phishing attempts. It's important to understand that Apple Branded Mail, while similar in its goal, operates distinctly from BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). For a detailed comparison, you can explore our guide on if Apple Business Connect is the same as BIMI.
To qualify for Branded Mail, your email infrastructure must meet specific authentication standards. This primarily involves correctly configuring SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) records. Apple, like other major mailbox providers, relies heavily on DMARC at an enforcement policy (either quarantine or reject) to ensure sender authenticity. You can learn more about Apple's requirements for email authentication in our knowledge base.
Key requirements for Apple Business Connect
Verified company: Your business must be fully verified within the Apple Business Connect platform.
Approved brand: Your brand details and logo must pass Apple's review process. This can take several business days.
Domain and email verification: The specific sending domains and email addresses must be approved.
DMARC enforcement policy: Your DMARC policy for the sending domain must be set to p=quarantine or p=reject. A p=none policy will not enable logo display.
Supported Apple devices and OS versions: Recipients must be using the latest iOS or macOS versions supporting this feature. Refer to Apple Support's guide on branded mail.
Common reasons your logo isn't displaying
Even after completing all the verification steps, your logo might not appear immediately. One common point of confusion is Apple's rollout schedule. According to their guidance, logos for approved email addresses (like info@yourdomain.com) are expected to display with iOS 18.2 and later. However, logos for entire approved domains (covering all addresses under @yourdomain.com) might only start appearing in early 2025.
Another frequent issue is related to your DMARC policy. Apple specifically requires your DMARC record to be at an enforcement policy of "quarantine" (p=quarantine) or "reject" (p=reject). If your DMARC policy is currently set to "none" (p=none), your logo will not appear. I've seen many businesses overlook this critical detail during their setup.
Furthermore, the logo file itself must adhere to Apple's specifications. It needs to be an SVG file, properly formatted and hosted, similar to BIMI requirements. Any deviation from these specifications, such as incorrect aspect ratio, file size, or hosting issues (e.g., not accessible via HTTPS), can prevent the logo from displaying. Ensure your logo has been reviewed and approved by Apple.
If your logo isn't displaying, the first step is to revisit your Apple Business Connect dashboard. Ensure that your company and brand status are fully approved. Sometimes, even if you've submitted everything, there might be a pending review or a subtle detail that requires your attention. Specifically, check the status of your "Branded Mail" enrollment for the domain or email address in question, as this is a separate approval step after brand verification.
Next, confirm that the receiving device is running the necessary operating system. As mentioned, branded mail for email addresses typically requires iOS 18.2 or later. If you or your recipients are on older versions of iOS or macOS, the logo will not display. This is a common reason for non-display that has nothing to do with your setup, but rather the recipient's software.
Finally, double-check your DMARC record. This is arguably the most critical technical requirement. Use a DMARC record generator or validator to ensure your record is correctly published in your DNS and that it specifies a policy of p=quarantine or p=reject. If you're unsure how to check or update this, consult our guide on safely transitioning your DMARC policy. Implementing DMARC not only enables logo display but also provides crucial protection against email spoofing and phishing, allowing you to monitor your DMARC reports.
The ability to display your brand logo in the inbox of Apple Mail users is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s a significant step in enhancing your email marketing and communication strategy. In a crowded inbox, a recognizable logo helps your email stand out, capturing immediate attention and reinforcing brand identity.
This visual trust signal dramatically increases the likelihood of your emails being opened. Recipients are more prone to trust messages that visually confirm the sender's identity, especially in an era rife with phishing and spam. The rigorous verification process behind Apple Branded Mail means that when your logo appears, it carries a strong implicit endorsement of legitimacy.
Beyond open rates, displaying your logo helps combat email fraud. Since it requires a DMARC policy at enforcement, it means your domain is actively protected against unauthorized use, which can prevent malicious actors from spoofing your brand. This, in turn, safeguards your brand's reputation and your customers' trust.
Adopting Apple Branded Mail early offers a competitive edge. As fewer businesses currently display their logos, yours will likely receive more prominence and attention in the inbox. This proactive approach not only benefits your current campaigns but also sets a strong foundation for future email deliverability and overall brand authority. The Apple Business Connect guide on adding a brand is a valuable resource for setting up.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Ensure your Apple Business Connect company and brand are fully verified.
Confirm that your DMARC policy is set to p=quarantine or p=reject.
Verify that recipient devices are running iOS 18.2 or a newer OS version.
Common pitfalls
Mistaking company verification for brand or email address verification completion.
Overlooking the DMARC policy requirement (p=none will prevent logo display).
Expecting logos to appear immediately for domains when Apple has a phased rollout.
Expert tips
Always consult Apple's official documentation for the latest requirements and rollout schedules.
Remember that Apple Branded Mail and BIMI are separate programs, each with specific setup processes.
A robust DMARC implementation is foundational for both logo display and email security.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says they have a verified company and brand, and approved domains and email addresses in Apple Business Connect, but the logo isn't showing up. They are unsure if the message about email addresses displaying now but domains later means it should already be working for addresses.
December 11, 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks notes that iOS 18.2 was recently released, which supports branded mail logos, and confirms that the user is likely interpreting Apple's statement correctly regarding email addresses versus domains.
December 11, 2024 - Email Geeks
Ensuring your brand stands out
While encountering issues with your Apple Business Connect logo displaying can be frustrating, most problems can be resolved by systematically checking each requirement. From ensuring your Apple Business Connect account and brand are fully approved, to verifying your DMARC policy and confirming recipient software versions, attention to detail is key.
Successfully displaying your logo in Apple Mail is a powerful indicator of your brand's authenticity and commitment to security, distinguishing you in the inbox. By diligently following these steps, you can ensure your brand gets the visibility and trust it deserves, making your emails instantly recognizable to Apple users.
