Apple device management
Apple devices can improve your business’s productivity, enhance your security, and keep your staff happy. And luckily, macOS, iOS, and tvOS contain frameworks to support Apple mobile device management (MDM). SimpleMDM leverages those frameworks to make maintaining Apple devices at scale quick, easy, and intuitive.
What is Apple device management?
Apple device management refers to the administration of virtually any machine in the Apple ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, MacBooks, and iMacs. Aware of the need for effective device management, Apple provides robust features built for the task, including Apple Configurator, Managed Apple ID, Shared iPad, and more. However, Apple recommends using an MDM solution to securely deploy, configure, and manage devices in an enterprise environment.
Must-have Apple device management features
The most effective Apple device management solutions include features to simplify every step of the process — from user enrollment through device offboarding.
Convenient setup
An Apple MDM solution should make your life easier. SimpleMDM does just that by streamlining enrollment and setup so that they take just minutes.
No-touch enrollment
With Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) program (formerly Apple Device Enrollment Program) and Apple Business Manager (ABM), automatically connect mobile devices purchased from Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers to the MDM server.
Customizable configuration
Advanced configuration options allow you to automate workflows to your heart’s content. Or shave some time off the configuration process by selecting a premade MDM profile. Live your best life.
Flexible app deployment
Your workforce needs the right tools for the job, so SimpleMDM gives you plenty of options to get them the relevant resources.
Rapid deployment
Whether you’re downloading popular apps from the Apple App Store, purchasing enterprise solutions, or developing custom B2B apps, you can deploy Managed Apps quickly and easily.
Robust Munki integration
Take advantage of additional application management capabilities, including installing a broader range of software and providing end users with a self-service app store.
Company-owned license distribution
With Apple Apps and Books (formerly Apple VPP), you can assign licenses to supervised devices without the user’s Apple ID — which also means you don’t have to keep track of users’ Apple IDs.
BYOD support
BYOD environments are tricky. You need some control, but overstepping with a user’s personal iOS device or macOS device is a surefire way to make them cranky. SimpleMDM includes BYOD support to satisfy both your IT admins and employees.
Data separation
A host of enrollment options enables the use of a personal device for work, restricting company data to business apps and requiring secure passwords to protect your organization.
Agentless operation
An intuitive agentless design helps you maintain devices while your end user retains their sense of independence.
Security controls
Cybersecurity is complicated, but securing your fleet doesn’t have to be. SimpleMDM’s rich security controls help safeguard your environment without sucking up your time.
Real-time fleet visibility
Get instant insight into an Apple device’s OS version, hardware encryption, settings, installed apps, and more.
Profile reinstallation
Automatically reinstall the Privacy Preferences Policy, Kernel Extensions Policy, FileVault, and Custom Configuration Profiles when a device checks in after an OS update.
Policy enforcement
If a user breaks a defined policy, you can block features, disable functions, or hide apps. You are the law!
SimpleMDM vs. leading competitors
SimpleMDM’s Apple device management | Leading competitors | |
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Agentless deployment |
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Powerful API |
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Robust Munki integration |
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Quick setup |
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Intuitive design |
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Comprehensive knowledge base |
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Rapid email support |
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30-day trial (no credit card required) |
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Apple device management FAQs
What are the benefits of Apple device management?
The main benefit of Apple device management is the ability to customize and secure machines without putting your hands on them. However, this breaks down into a whole host of other potential advantages:
Support bring your own device (BYOD)
Simplify enrollment and provisioning
Control company-owned data and licenses
Enhance security
Manage updates
Provide better support
How do you manage Apple devices?
Effective Apple device management typically requires a dedicated MDM solution. Most businesses do not rely exclusively on Apple products, instead maintaining a mixed environment that includes Windows PCs. To take advantage of best-in-breed technology and improve their unified endpoint management, many businesses manage the distinct platforms separately. As you plan your Apple device management approach, consider these steps:
Determine the number of company-owned and employee-owned Apple devices
Consider what work-related tasks employees use their devices for
Assess the necessary business apps
Align your Apple device management approach to a broader IT management strategy
Explain the roles of privacy and data protection, particularly in BYOD setups
Monitor for suspicious activity or data usage
With careful planning and preparation, managing Apple devices is painless even in mixed OS environments.
How do you manage Apple devices in a BYOD environment?
In a BYOD environment, balancing Apple device management with employee privacy concerns becomes paramount. While you need visibility into corporate-owned apps and data, team members often push back if your control over their personal devices extends too far. Apple MDM software supports User Enrollment, which has several features to satisfy both employees and IT teams:
Personal Apple ID remains active alongside the Managed Apple ID on the device
Corporate IT controls owned data and apps
Managed Apps and corporate data are deleted when a device is unenrolled from the MDM
User-owned apps are invisible to administrators
MDM does not collect device-identifying information
Employees get shared iCloud access
Whether you like it or not, employees often use personal devices for work. With the right MDM solution, you don’t have to give up full control of your corporate software assets just because they’re on a privately owned device.
Why should businesses use an Apple device management solution?
Using an Apple device management solution simplifies virtually every aspect of device administration:
Configuring settings
Distributing apps and books
Separating personal and corporate data
Ensuring device security
Supporting productivity
Maintaining user privacy
A well-implemented Apple device management solution can save time for both your IT team and your end users. By balancing visibility and control with privacy and productivity, the right MDM software is a win-win for everyone involved.
How do you choose the right Apple device management solution?
Selecting the best Apple device management solution for your business requires an understanding of your environment and goals. Follow these steps:
Assess the number of BYOD and corporate-owned devices in your environment
Consider whether you prefer a cloud or on-premises solution
Weigh each solution’s features and functionality
Determine how the MDM fits your process
Read customer reviews
Before committing to a solution, schedule a demo or sign up for a trial to see how it works for you.