Summary
While Apple Business Connect offers domain and email verification, the display of logos in Apple Mail is not guaranteed and is influenced by various factors. Implementing BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) with a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) is crucial, along with ensuring proper SVG logo formatting and secure hosting. Correct DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are prerequisites for BIMI. Delays due to caching and propagation may occur. Testing across different Apple Mail versions is recommended. Brand settings in Apple Business Connect need verification. Few businesses currently display logos, signifying implementation challenges.
Key findings
- BIMI is Paramount: BIMI implementation, including a VMC, is crucial for logo display.
- SVG Logo Specs: Logo must be correctly formatted SVG and hosted on HTTPS.
- DNS Configuration: Correct SPF, DKIM, DMARC records are necessary for BIMI.
- Potential Delays: Caching and propagation issues can cause delays.
- Version Testing: Logo display should be tested across different Apple Mail versions.
- ABC Settings Check: Double-check Brand settings and permissions in Apple Business Connect.
- Low Adoption: Few businesses successfully display logos currently.
Key considerations
- BIMI Setup: Implement BIMI records and obtain a VMC from a trusted provider.
- Optimize Logo: Ensure the logo is a correctly formatted SVG and hosted on HTTPS.
- Verify DNS: Check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for proper configuration.
- Test Display: Use email preview tools or test sends to examine logo display across devices and Apple Mail versions.
- Check ABC: Double-check Brand settings and permissions in Apple Business Connect for accuracy.
- Patience: Allow time for propagation and caching to resolve display issues.
- Contact Support: If issues persist, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
What email marketers say
7 marketer opinions
Even after domain and email verification in Apple Business Connect, logos may not immediately appear in Apple Mail due to various factors. These include the necessity of implementing BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) with a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), potential delays on Apple's servers, incorrect logo image format or size, misconfigured DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), compatibility issues across different Apple Mail versions and devices, and incorrect Brand settings within Apple Business Connect. Patience, testing, and thorough configuration checks are recommended.
Key opinions
- BIMI Requirement: BIMI with a VMC is likely required for consistent logo display, even after domain verification.
- Potential Delays: Delays can occur before the logo appears in Apple Mail, even with proper setup.
- Image Specifications: Logos must adhere to Apple's specifications for format (SVG), size, and resolution.
- DNS Configuration: Correctly configured DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are essential for BIMI to function.
- Compatibility Issues: Logo display may vary across different Apple Mail versions and devices.
- ABC Settings: Brand settings and permissions in Apple Business Connect must be correctly configured.
Key considerations
- Implement BIMI: Set up BIMI records and obtain a VMC to improve logo visibility in Apple Mail.
- Verify Image Format: Ensure the logo image meets Apple's specifications (SVG, size, resolution).
- Check DNS Records: Confirm that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured for your domain.
- Test Compatibility: Test logo display across various Apple Mail versions and devices to identify compatibility issues.
- Review ABC Settings: Double-check Brand settings and permissions within Apple Business Connect.
- Allow Time for Propagation: Be patient and allow sufficient time for Apple's servers to process the changes.
- Contact Apple Support: If issues persist, contact Apple support for further assistance.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog suggests verifying that all DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are correctly configured, as these are prerequisites for BIMI and can affect logo visibility in Apple Mail.
7 Jul 2021 - Mailjet
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow suggests ensuring that the logo image meets Apple's specifications regarding format (SVG), size, and resolution, as incorrect image parameters can prevent the logo from displaying.
14 Aug 2022 - StackOverflow
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
Experts agree that simply verifying your domain and email within Apple Business Connect isn't sufficient for displaying logos in Apple Mail. The key lies in implementing BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) correctly, which includes obtaining a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) and ensuring your SVG logo is correctly formatted and hosted securely. Few businesses currently have this set up correctly.
Key opinions
- BIMI is Key: BIMI is essential for displaying logos, domain and email verification alone are not enough.
- VMC Required: A valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is a necessary component of BIMI.
- Logo Formatting: The SVG logo must be correctly formatted and hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server.
- Few Businesses Implementing: Very few businesses are currently displaying logos in Apple Mail, indicating widespread lack of BIMI implementation.
Key considerations
- Implement BIMI: Configure BIMI records for your domain.
- Obtain a VMC: Secure a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized provider.
- Secure Logo Hosting: Host your correctly formatted SVG logo on a secure (HTTPS) server.
- Technical Expertise: Ensure you have the technical expertise to correctly implement BIMI and handle SVG logo formatting or seek assistance.
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com details the technical elements of implementing BIMI and highlights the need to ensure your SVG logo is correctly formatted and hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server. Incorrect configuration can prevent Apple Mail from displaying the logo.
20 Nov 2024 - Spamresource.com
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that while Apple promotes domain and email verification, the ultimate display of logos is heavily reliant on BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) and a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate). Simply verifying your domain is not enough; you need BIMI configured correctly.
24 Feb 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Official documentation reveals that logo display in Apple Mail after Apple Business Connect verification involves more than just initial setup. Factors include potential delays from caching, the necessity of BIMI compliance including a VMC, the requirement of a DMARC policy of quarantine or reject and proper unauthenticated email handling. Getting a VMC includes certain validation processes, and it's also associated with costs.
Key findings
- Verification Not Enough: Domain/Email verification in Apple Business Connect does not guarantee immediate logo display.
- BIMI with VMC: BIMI implementation, including a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), is essential.
- DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is required for BIMI functionality.
- Potential Delays: Caching and propagation issues can delay logo appearance.
Key considerations
- Wait for Propagation: Allow sufficient time for caching and propagation delays to resolve.
- Implement BIMI: Configure BIMI records and secure a VMC from an authorized provider.
- Set DMARC Policy: Ensure your domain has a DMARC policy set to 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject'.
- Understand VMC Process: Familiarize yourself with the requirements, validation processes, and costs associated with obtaining a VMC.
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert provides a detailed guide on obtaining a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), including requirements, validation processes, and costs associated with securing the certificate.
14 Apr 2024 - DigiCert
Technical article
Documentation from Valimail states that BIMI requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) from an authorized provider, and that might be a reason the logo is not appearing, even with domain verification.
8 Feb 2022 - Valimail
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