Apple is looking to further its involvement in the enterprise via a new partnership with German IT giant SAP SE.

The partnership will see the two firms create native apps for the iPhone and iPad that tap into SAP’s flagship HANA in-memory computing platform. There will also be a new iOS software development kit.

SAP’s end of the agreement will see it build an unknown number of native iOS apps built on Apple’s Swift programming language. For example, SAP might build an app that allows a field maintenance workers to schedule servicing or order new parts. Alternatively, there might be an app that allows doctors to share patient data with other health care professionals.

Apple’s renewed push into the enterprise comes at a time when worries emerge over its iPhone business. Apple recently admitted that iPhone sales are declining as the smartphone industry reaches maturity. Now, the company seems to be targeting the enterprise as a way of fueling even more growth, having largely ignored the business market for much of the past.

Apple CEO Tim Cook forged a similar deal with IBM not so long ago, which saw the development of various business-oriented apps for the iPhone. Partnering with Apple is a sensible move for both IBM and SAP, as it gives them greater access to the iOS developer base while helping to make themselves look “trendy”.

In a statement, Cook said the plan was for SAP to combine HANA with Apple’s developer base to create “cutting-edge” enterprise apps. SAP CEO Bill McDermott chipped in too, saying that by “giving people an agile and intuitive business experience, we empower them to know more, care more and do more.”

What with IBM and SAP now aboard, we can expect to see Apple look to create new partnerships with enterprise technology vendors. Apple has already aimed its iPad Pro at business users, and so it will need as many apps as it can get its hands on in order to make it appeal more. Ideally, these should be cutting-edge apps that can’t be found anywhere else. Companies that Apple may be looking at doing a deal with include Oracle, as well as cloud-based vendors like Salesforce.com, Inc., which has been on the iOS bandwagon for a while.

Here’s a run down of what to expect from the deal, straight from the press release:

• SAP’s HANA Cloud Platform SDK will be available exclusively for iOS.
• Native apps will combine Apple’s native features on its devices with data and processes from SAP.
• SAP will launch a new Fiori design language for iOS. Fiori is SAP’s user interface to unify its various applications and deliver a consumer-like experience.
• Academies for training as well as the SDK will roll out before the end of 2016.
• SAP will develop native iOS apps using Apple’s Swift programming language. SAP will meld Fiori as well as iOS. These apps will be focused on various industries.

SAP didn’t say exactly when its SDK would be made available, nor has it said how many apps it intends to create, though it did say the first ones would be targeted at asset management, health care, professional services and retail. It also said apps for other industries would be launched through 2016 and 2017.

Image credit: Apple