Apple and IBM on Wednesday released the first wave of mobile apps developed under their recently formed partnership to boost business adoption of iOS.


The new business tools, dubbed IBM MobileFirst for iOS apps, are geared towards users in the banking, retail, insurance, financial services, telecommunications, and airline industries, as well as the government. Several companies have already signed on to use the new apps, including Citi, Air Canada, Sprint, and Banorte.


"This is a big step for iPhone and iPad in the enterprise, and we can't wait to see the exciting new ways organizations will put iOS devices to work," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement. "The business world has gone mobile, and Apple and IBM are bringing together the world's best technology with the smartest data and analytics to help businesses redefine how work gets done."


The apps, designed exclusively for the iPhone and iPad, can be customized for any organization, then easily deployed and managed, according to the partners. IBM and Apple said they will be "continuously" designing and developing additional apps for businesses.


Here are the details straight from Apple and IBM about their new apps: