Whether you’re deploying kiosks, digital signage, or shared devices, knowing which apps work in Single App Mode (SAM) can save hours of research and troubleshooting. We’ve compiled a frequently updated list of apps that support SAM so you can confidently configure your iOS deployments.
All the following hyperlinks are functional for the US-based Apple App Store library; other regions may not be supported.
Apple apps
Microsoft apps
Google apps
Productivity tools
Entertainment & streaming
Retail & services
Social & communication
Specialized tools
Financial services
Security
Bookmark this page for fast access while setting up kiosk workflows or referencing our kiosk mode guide.
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FAQ about Single App Mode (SAM)
What’s the difference between Single App Mode and Guided Access?
Single App Mode (SAM) is an application lockdown feature managed through a mobile device management solution. It permanently locks an iOS or iPadOS device into a single app until an administrator releases it.
Guided Access is a user-controlled, temporary application lockdown mode restricting access to a single app with passcode protection.
SAM is designed for enterprise use and managed through MDM, while Guided Access is a native accessibility feature intended for personal use.
Does Single App Mode require supervision?
Yes, Single App Mode requires the Apple device to be under supervision for successful deployment and execution.
Supervision allows these options:
Enforcement of SAM through MDM profiles
Autonomous Single App Mode (ASAM) for automatic relaunch after reboots
Tip: Use Apple Configurator or your MDM to supervise devices before SAM deployment.
When should I use Single App Mode?
Single App Mode should be used when you have a customer-facing or dedicated business-use iPad that is intended to be locked to one specific application screen for its day-to-day purpose.
What’s the difference between Single App Mode and kiosk mode?
The difference between Single App Mode and kiosk mode in the Apple ecosystem is a slight difference of scope.
Single App Mode (SAM) is a specific supervised device setting defined by Apple’s MDM protocol that locks the device to a single app and restricts user access to system features.
Kiosk mode is a colloquial term that defines a broader device state. Kiosk mode may refer to a device configured in Single App Mode, Guided Access, or other custom workflows that effectively lock the device to one app for a focused or public-use experience.
