For institutions, organisations, and businesses using Apple Business Manager (ABM), to access GoodNotes 5 you would need to download the free version of the app on the ABM Store. Whilst traditionally this has been a paid app for ABM users, unfortunately due to a temporary error (which we are in the process of fixing), the full app is currently listed for free - this is the full version of the app, and no further purchase is needed. This is a temporary issue, and something we are aiming to fix as soon as possible.
For clarity - whilst individual users of GoodNotes 5 (outside of Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager) will only get access to the free trial through the download in the App Store (with a number of limitations), the free version in Apple Business Manager is the full version without any limitations.
FAQs for Apple Business Manager:
Q: Do I have to pay for GoodNotes 5 through Apple Business Manager?
A: In short, no. Due to an error on Apple's and our part at this time, the GoodNotes 5 app is listed on the ABM Store for completely free (as opposed to being a one-off purchase or in-app purchase). However, we at GoodNotes are honouring this mistake, and allowing for our business users to download the app for free. It's worth noting that this is a temporary issue, and once resolved the full version of GoodNotes 5 will no longer be accessible for free.
Q: If I download the app for free now, will I have to pay again later once the app is no longer free?
If you download the app at this time, where the full version is free, you will not be retroactively charged for these downloads. However, once the app is back up to its full price, it will no longer be downloadable for free (even for business managers who downloaded the app free previously).
Q: Is GoodNotes 5 usable or compatible through other MDM software aside from Apple Business Manager?
A: Unfortunately, GoodNotes 5 is only truly compatible with ABM - as we have not formalised compatibility with other MDM software (such as Microsoft InTune). Although this is something we may consider long-term, there are no short or mid-term plans for other MDM support.
Q: Does downloading GoodNotes 5 entitle me to any sort of specialised support or Customer Service? Or is this something GoodNotes can offer at a premium?
A: Unfortunately, this isn't something we would offer at this time. With the ABM version of GoodNotes 5 being no different to the individual license version, we do not offer any specialised support for ABM users. Additionally, whilst we would not be currently offering any paid, premium support for business users, if this is something you'd be interested in in the future, feel free to let our team know! You can contact our CS team (for technical queries and feedback) via this link here!