Apple inks partnership with Deloitte to push iOS devices in the enterprise

Apple has a new alliance with consulting giant Deloitte that could push more iPhones and iPads into the workplace.

As part of the deal, Deloitte will open up a new in-house business unit comprised of 5,000 "iOS specialists" who will advise clients on how to adopt iPhones and iPads across their business. The unit will have teams in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

Deloitte and Apple will also work together on a new service called EnterpriseNext. In a nutshell, the service will try to help companies build a mobile strategy around iOS devices as well as create custom-built iOS apps.

"As the leader in digital transformation strategy, Deloitte is an ideal partner that brings a team of Apple-dedicated strategic advisors to help clients truly revolutionize how they work using iOS, iPhone and iPad," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "iPhone and iPad are transforming how people everywhere get work done. And through this partnership, we're able to help even more businesses tap into the incredible capabilities that only the Apple ecosystem can deliver."

For Apple, the partnership is in line with its previous deals with IBM, Cisco, and SAP -- all of which are centered around making Apple devices more appealing for the enterprise via custom cloud apps. The effort is all the more pressing as Apple and other device makers face shrinking consumer demand for smartphones and tablets.