Apple device management
Apple devices can improve your business’s productivity, enhance your security, and keep your staff happy. While you stand to reap countless benefits by introducing Apple products into your environment, they also present unique administrative challenges. This is particularly true in hybrid environments with Macs and PCs. But MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS contain frameworks to support mobile device management (MDM), enabling businesses to manage Apple devices at scale. Maintaining Apple devices is quick, easy, and intuitive with the right MDM solution.
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.
While managing devices is theoretically possible through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, pairing them with an Apple MDM server greatly enhances functionality and efficiency.
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.
Real-time fleet visibility
Get instant insight into an Apple device’s OS version, hardware encryption, settings, installed apps, and more.
Policy enforcement
If a user breaks a defined policy, you can block features, disable functions, or hide apps. You are the law!
Agentless operation
An intuitive agentless design helps you maintain devices while your end user retains their sense of independence.
BYOD support
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 business.
Profile reinstallation
Automatically reinstall Privacy Preferences Policy, Kernel Extensions Policy, FileVault, and Custom Configuration Profiles when a device checks in after an OS update.
Flexible app deployment
Robust Munki integration provides additional app capabilities, including supporting the installation of a broader range of software and providing an app store with self-service.
Zero-touch enrollment
With the help of Apple's Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) program (formerly Apple Device Enrollment Program), automatically connect mobile devices purchased from Apple and Apple Authorized Resellers to your Apple MDM solution.
Speedy support
You have better things to do than wait around for answers. Look for a solution with responsive support so that you can focus on what you do best: managing devices and bringing users unimaginable joy.
Rapid deployment
Whether you’re downloading popular apps from the Apple App Store, purchasing enterprise solutions, or developing custom B2B apps, deploy Managed Apps quickly and easily.
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.
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.
Protection for misplaced devices
Activation Lock and remote wipe capabilities help prevent unauthorized access to corporate data on lost or stolen devices.
What are the benefits of Apple device management?
The main benefit of Apple device management is the ability to customize and secure machines. However, this breaks down into a whole host of other potential advantages:
Support bring your own device (BYOD)
Enhance security
Track device locations
Block or hide apps
Manage updates
Control company-owned data and licenses
Simplify enrollment and provisioning
Maintain visibility
Comply with regulations
Streamline workflows
Provide better support
Increase mobile productivity
SimpleMDM vs. leading competitors
SimpleMDM’s Apple device management | Leading competitors | |
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Agentless deployment |
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Munki integration |
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Easy setup and use |
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Streamlined, intuitive interface |
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Extensive knowledge base |
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Speedy email support |
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30-day trial (no credit card required) |
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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. This requires separate management of the distinct platforms.
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
Establish clear policies
Align your Apple device management approach to a broader IT management strategy
Train employees on your Apple MDM software and policies
Explain the roles of privacy and data protection, particularly in BYOD setups
Implement zero-touch enrollment
Monitor for suspicious activity or data usage
Review reports regularly
With careful planning and preparation, managing Apple devices is painless even in mixed OS environments.
Apple device management 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. MDM software supports User Enrollment, which has several features to satisfy both employees and IT teams:
Personal Apple ID remains active alongside Managed Apple ID on the device
Corporate control over owned data and apps
Deletion of Managed Apps and corporate data when a device is unenrolled from the MDM
User-owned apps are invisible to administrators
No collection of device-identifying information
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:
Set a budget
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
Check the trial period
Before committing to a solution, request a demo or sign up for a trial to see how it works for you.
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