Why are Apple Business Connect logos not showing in Apple Mail even after domain and email verification?

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
7Marketer 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.

January 2023 - 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.

January 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid forums mentions that they experienced a delay of several weeks before the logo appeared in Apple Mail, even after all verification steps were completed. They suggest patience and contacting Apple support if the issue persists.

May 2022 - EmailOnAcid Forums
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus suggests using their email preview tools to ensure that logos are rendering correctly in different versions of Apple Mail and across different devices to identify any compatibility issues.

January 2024 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailGeeks Slack channel mentions that double-checking the Brand settings and permissions within Apple Business Connect ensures that all necessary options are enabled for logo display.

February 2024 - EmailGeeks Slack
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass Blog recommends testing logo display across various Apple Mail versions (iOS, macOS) to identify potential compatibility issues affecting logo visibility.

February 2025 - GMass
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) might be necessary for the logo to display consistently. They recommend setting up BIMI records for your domain to improve logo visibility.

May 2022 - Reddit

What the experts say
3Expert 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.

March 2022 - 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.

May 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that very few businesses have their logos showing in Apple Mail and the ones he has seen that have logos are publishing BIMI.

December 2021 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
5Technical 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.

April 2022 - 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.

July 2021 - Valimail
Technical article

Documentation from Apple Business Connect Help explains that even after verification, there might be a delay before the logo appears in Apple Mail due to caching or propagation issues on Apple's servers. They recommend waiting a few days and checking again.

February 2023 - Apple Business Connect Help
Technical article

Documentation from Entrust explains that a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) is a digital certificate that verifies the ownership of your logo and is required for BIMI to function correctly in Apple Mail. They detail the process of obtaining a VMC.

January 2023 - Entrust
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that a DMARC policy of 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is required for BIMI to function, ensuring that unauthenticated emails are properly handled, which can impact logo display.

June 2021 - DMARC.org