With the upcoming releases of iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS, Apple is introducing significant enhancements to its device management capabilities, aimed at enterprise environments and mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
Zero-Touch Deployment for Vision Pro
The introduction of zero-touch deployment for Apple Vision Pro through Automated Device Enrollment is a game-changer. This update brings Vision Pro in line with Macs, iPhones, and iPads, allowing organizations to automatically enroll these devices in MDM upon activation, ensuring a seamless setup experience.
Locked and Hidden Apps
Locked and hidden apps provide users with assurance that their private information, such as app notifications and content, remains confidential. Users can lock an app, and for added privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a secure, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, its content, including messages or emails, is concealed from search results, notifications, and other areas of the system, ensuring that sensitive information stays private and unseen by others.
Safari Extension Controls
With the upcoming updates, administrators will have greater control over Safari extensions. This includes managing which extensions can be installed, whether they are active, and which websites they can access. This provides enterprises with the ability to enforce security policies and enhance user productivity.
Software Update Improvements
Declarative Device Management (DDM) will further improve software update management. IT admins can remotely enroll devices in beta testing programs and execute phased rollouts, reducing the need for hands-on intervention and ensuring that updates are deployed smoothly across all devices.
Enhanced Activation Lock Management
Apple's Activation Lock, designed to deter theft, now allows IT administrators to disable the lock for organization-owned devices directly through Apple Business Manager. This update removes the need for Apple Support intervention, streamlining the process for enterprises managing large fleets of devices.
Managed Apple Accounts
New features for managing Apple accounts include domain capture and account transfer. Organizations can now claim their domain emails and manage associated Apple IDs more effectively. This allows for better control and security of employee accounts within the enterprise.
Platform SSO Enhancements
macOS 15 will expand Platform Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities, integrating Identity Provider authentication across multiple security layers, including FileVault encryption and the login window. This enhancement simplifies user authentication and strengthens security within enterprise environments.
Network and External Drive Management
macOS 15 reintroduces controls for local network and external hard drive access. IT admins can enforce restrictions and set read-only permissions, enhancing data security by limiting how and where data can be stored and transferred.
iPadOS Calculator App
iPadOS 18 introduces the long-awaited Calculator app, featuring tools like Math Notes for solving equations. IT admins will have the ability to manage the app's use on organizational devices, ensuring that it meets the enterprise's needs.
Conclusion
These updates signify Apple's commitment to enhancing device management in enterprise settings, improving security, deployment, and overall manageability of Apple devices. As a leading mobile device management solution, Appaloosa is well-equipped to support organizations in leveraging these new features for iPadOS, iOS, and macOS, ensuring a streamlined and secure device management experience.