How many Apple devices are in your workplace, school, or home right now?

Do you rely on an iPhone to manage your day, or perhaps a MacBook for work?

Ever wonder how many other people in the world are doing the same?

With 2.2 billion active Apple devices globally, the answer is: a lot.^[1] 

From students browsing away on iPads to businesses running on Macs, Apple’s devices have seamlessly infiltrated our daily lives, becoming indispensable tools for productivity, creativity, and communication. But here’s the catch—as Apple’s influence grows, so does the complexity of managing these devices.

So, who’s in charge of keeping all these devices secure? How do you ensure compliance, prevent data breaches, and keep devices running smoothly—without a team of IT experts working overtime?

The answer lies in Apple Unified Endpoint Management (UEM). It’s the solution that simplifies the complexity of managing Apple devices, ensuring they remain secure, updated, and aligned with organizational policies. Whether it’s a CEO’s iPhone or a classroom full of iPads or you need to manage 10 devices or 10,000, UEM offers the structure needed to oversee a growing ecosystem.

So, how UEM for Apple can transform your device management? Let’s find out.

What is UEM, and why does Apple need it?

Managing a bunch of Apple devices without the right tools is a tricky balancing act. Basic controls aren’t enough. Unified Endpoint Management helps by offering a centralized platform that brings order to the complexity of managing Apple devices (along with other OSs), empowering IT teams to configure, secure, and monitor them all with ease.

Apple mobile device management makes sure every iPhone, iPad, and MacBook operates in sync with organizational needs. From ensuring software is up to date, to secure data, to control what users can and can’t do on their devices, UEM does it all. The better you manage your devices, the smoother your operations will run.

Apple and UEM: A perfect match for every industry

What makes Apple such a great choice across all these industries, and how does UEM play a role in managing them effectively?

Healthcare: Protecting patient data

According to a 2024 KLAS report, 64% of healthcare organizations use Apple devices, making them the most used commercial devices in healthcare.^[2]   Doctors and nurses rely on iPads and iPhones for accessing patient records, prescribing medications, and communicating within the hospital. UEM ensures that these devices remain HIPAA-compliant and secure, with features like device encryption and secure app management. UEM also allows healthcare organizations to monitor and restrict access to patient data, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view sensitive information.

Education: Managing classrooms of iPads

Schools and universities have embraced Apple devices for education, using iPads, Macs, and even Apple TVs to enhance learning. With Apple UEM, institutions can easily manage a large number of devices, controlling what apps and content are accessible to students. UEM allows schools to roll out software updates, enforce security policies, and ensure that devices are used for educational purposes —preventing distractions like unauthorized browsing or gaming during class.

BFSI: Securing sensitive data

Financial institutions need to ensure that their Apple devices are secure and compliant with industry standards. UEM allows financial firms to manage apps, control data access, and track devices, all while ensuring that they meet compliance requirements like GDPR. By controlling the entire Apple ecosystem, UEM protects sensitive financial data and reduces the risk of costly breaches. Leveraging Apple for BFSI, UEM ensures a secure and compliant environment tailored for the financial sector.

Retail: Seamless operations

In retail, Apple devices are used for everything from managing inventory to running point-of-sale (POS) systems. UEM simplifies the management of these devices, enabling retail businesses to deploy, update, and secure their devices without disrupting operations. With UEM, retailers can ensure that all devices are always up to date with the latest software, providing a seamless experience for both employees and customers.

Key concepts in Apple device management

Before we explore the specific benefits of UEM for Apple devices, it’s important to understand some of the foundational concepts that drive effective device management. These concepts set the stage for why UEM is essential for organizations looking to manage and secure Apple devices at scale.

1. Device supervision: A higher level of control

Device supervision is a critical mode for managing Apple devices in business, education, and institutional settings. When Apple devices are in supervision mode, IT teams gain access to a broader set of controls, features, and configurations, far beyond what is available on unsupervised devices.

For organizations, this level of control means better security, consistent device configurations, and the ability to customize devices according to their specific use cases—whether it’s an employee’s iPhone, a classroom of iPads, or interactive kiosks in retail or hospitality settings. Supervision is achieved through the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) as the primary method, or using tools like Apple Configurator 2 (AC2). 

2. Apple Configurator 2: The deployment powerhouse

For large-scale deployments, Apple Configurator 2 is an indispensable tool. This macOS application enables organizations to configure, deploy, and manage multiple Apple devices simultaneously, ensuring that they are ready for use across various environments. Whether you need to supervise a batch of devices or enforce a particular configuration, Apple Configurator 2 is designed for efficiency.

In a UEM context, Apple Configurator 2 enables unsupervised devices to be enrolled into a management system by preparing them for deployment via DEP. It integrates with UEM solutions to configure settings, install profiles, and enforce business-specific requirements, making it ideal for organizations managing high device volumes or frequent turnover.

3. Apple ID vs. Managed Apple ID: Personal vs. organization-wide access

An Apple ID is typically associated with personal use, allowing users to access a variety of Apple services, including iCloud, app purchases, and data synchronization across devices. In an organizational setting, however, an Apple ID can quickly blur the line between personal and work-related use, potentially creating security risks and management complexities.

Managed Apple IDs provide businesses, schools, and government agencies with centralized control and enforced security settings on BYO devices. They maintain data privacy, streamline app distribution, and simplify device management, making them essential for organizations prioritizing secure Apple device usage.

4. APNs: Enabling secure communication between devices and apps

Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) acts as a bridge for delivering push notifications to devices. APNs ensures that any important updates, alerts, or information are securely delivered to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS devices in real-time.

For organizations utilizing UEM for Apple, APNs is an essential feature. Not only does it facilitate secure communication between apps and users, but it also allows UEM solutions like Scalefusion to push updates, enforce policies, and notify users about device status, security alerts, or compliance requirements.

In a business context, APNs can be leveraged to ensure that the right messages reach the right devices, whether it’s a security alert, a device configuration change, or a software update.

5. Apple Declarative Device Management: Simplifying and Streamlining Control

Apple Declarative Device Management (DDM) takes device management to the next level by introducing a more proactive and streamlined approach. Apple DDM operates on a declarative model where devices are configured to know their desired state in advance.

This innovative method reduces back-and-forth communication with servers, making updates faster and more efficient. It also ensures devices can proactively adapt to new configurations, even in high-turnover environments.

For organizations using UEM, DDM offers a significant advantage by improving scalability and responsiveness. IT teams can push policies and settings more effectively, ensuring Apple devices remain compliant, secure, and aligned with business objectives.

How UEM simplifies Apple device management

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s see how UEM makes managing Apple devices easier. Apple Business Manager (ABM) helps with setup and provisioning, but it’s UEM that steps in to handle the day-to-day management, secure the devices, and keep everything running smoothly.

With Apple UEM, this job gets a lot easier.

• Apple device enrollment program (DEP): Automates the enrollment of devices, allowing IT teams to set up Apple devices straight out of the box. This streamlines large-scale deployments and ensures devices are instantly configured and ready for use without manual intervention.
• Volume purchase program (VPP): Enables bulk purchasing and distribution of apps across multiple Apple devices. This feature allows organizations to easily manage app licenses and ensure that every device has the necessary software installed, updated, and maintained.
• Granular device restrictions: UEM provides the ability to implement precise device restrictions, such as limiting access to specific apps, disabling certain features (e.g., camera or AirDrop), and enforcing security settings to align with organizational policies. This is crucial in environments like healthcare, retail, or education, where device usage needs to be controlled.
• Kiosk mode: UEM allows devices to be locked down into a specific app or set of apps, turning them into dedicated kiosks. This is perfect for situations like digital signage in retail or self-service checkouts, where devices are meant to serve a single purpose and require strict usage control.
• Remote configuration, support, and management: IT admins can remotely configure settings, manage devices, and apply updates across all Apple devices, eliminating the need for on-site support and making it easier to maintain consistency in configurations and security policies.
• Compliance enforcement: UEM helps ensure compliance with industry standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS by enforcing security policies like encryption, password complexity, and data protection. This is essential in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education where regulatory compliance is a priority.
• Security management: UEM offers advanced security controls, such as remote wipe capabilities, device tracking, and data encryption, ensuring that if a device is lost or stolen, sensitive data remains protected and inaccessible.
• Multi-tenant support: For managed service providers or businesses with different divisions, UEM can provide a multi-tenant architecture, allowing for the management of different Apple device fleets under one system, but with separate policies and configurations for each tenant.
• Battery and performance monitoring: UEM offers real-time monitoring of device health, including battery life and overall performance, helping IT teams proactively address issues before they impact productivity.

How UEM improves endpoint security for Apple devices

There’s no end to data breaches, malware attacks, and insider threats but we can definitely prevent them with the help of a UEM solution. Endpoint security is the first line of defense when it comes to securing Apple devices within an organization. 

UEM solutions enhance security through several key features:

1. Device Compliance and Granular Restrictions: UEM solutions enforce security policies such as password rules, encryption, OS updates, and app restrictions. These help ensure compliance with industry regulations (HIPAA, GDPR) while protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.
2. Zero Trust Access: UEM platforms enable a zero-trust security framework, where only authenticated users and compliant devices are allowed access to corporate resources, minimizing the risk of unauthorized entry.
3. Remote Lock and Data Wipe: In the event of a lost or stolen device, UEM solutions allow IT admins to lock or wipe the device remotely, securing sensitive corporate data and preventing unauthorized access.
4. Secure Network Connectivity with VPN Integration: UEM solutions configure and enforce VPN settings on Apple devices to ensure secure connections, especially for remote workers. This is further strengthened with endpoint security features like split tunneling and traffic filtering.
5. Proactive Security with Automatic Updates: UEM solutions ensure that devices are always up to date with the latest OS versions and security patches, protecting against vulnerabilities associated with outdated software.
6. I/O Device Access Control for macOS: UEM platforms allow organizations to manage and restrict the use of external devices like USBs and peripherals, preventing unauthorized data transfers and enhancing security on macOS.

Apple devices, while known for their robust security features, still face potential threats—whether it’s a lost iPhone with sensitive business data or a compromised app on an iPad. UEM solutions like Scalefusion, when paired with endpoint security solutions like Veltar, create an unbreakable defense against these risks. 

Why Scalefusion is ideal for Apple device management

Scalefusion goes beyond basic UEM features like supervision, app control, and compliance enforcement. It offers robust tools to simplify and enhance the management of macOS and iOS devices, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses.

• Support for all your Apple devices – Scalefusion is compatible with a wide range of Apple devices, from iPhones and iPads to Mac computers. Whether you’re managing mobile devices or desktop setups, you can handle them all from one unified platform, streamlining operations.
• Dive deep with DeepDive – From the Scalefusion dashboard, you can get quick, graphical insights into your device inventory. View key metrics like platform-wise enrollment, active/inactive devices, and license usage. This data allows you to make informed decisions and track your device fleet more effectively.
• Top-notch security – Keeping your business data secure is non-negotiable, and Scalefusion goes above and beyond to protect it. With features like remote device locking, data wipe, and passcode enforcement, you can ensure Apple devices are always secure and compliant with your company’s policies.
• Effortless enrollment – Thanks to integration with Apple’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP), setting up Apple devices is a breeze. Zero-touch enrollment allows you to quickly onboard devices without physical interaction, making the process both fast and hassle-free.
• Kiosk Mode and App Control – Scalefusion’s Kiosk Mode lets you restrict Apple devices to just one app or a set of apps, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the device is dedicated to its intended function.
• Granular policy control with Groups and Subgroups – Scalefusion gives you the ability to manage devices at a granular level. By organizing devices into groups and subgroups, you can apply specific policies to different teams or departments, offering greater control and tailoring device settings based on organizational needs.
• No-code IT Workflows – Streamline IT tasks by automating and scheduling actions without coding. Create task flows, set execution times, and maintain compliance effortlessly.
• Remote Troubleshooting with Remote Cast and Control – With the Remote Cast and Control feature, IT teams can mirror a device’s screen in real-time and take full control of the device to resolve problems. This eliminates the need for physical access, reduces downtime, and ensures your team can quickly address issues.
• Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem – Scalefusion seamlessly integrates with Apple’s native services, such as iCloud, iTunes, and Apple School Manager. This tight integration ensures smooth syncing of apps, data, and settings across your Apple devices, providing a unified experience for your business.
• OS Updates and Patch Management – Scalefusion simplifies OS updates and patch management, automating the process to keep your Apple devices secure and up to date. Scalefusion UEM leverages Apple’s declarative device management (DDM) protocol to further streamline the update process. With DDM, you can schedule updates for macOS devices based on your local time zone, ensuring updates are applied at optimal times. This ensures that devices always install the latest version when multiple updates are available, simplifying the update management process.

Ensure long-term success with Apple UEM

With Apple devices becoming more prevalent across businesses, schools and industries, managing them efficiently is essential. Scalefusion UEM ensures your device management solution evolves alongside your organization, seamlessly adapting to the latest Apple updates.

Scalefusion UEM provides a seamless experience for managing Apple devices, with continuous updates that ensure compatibility with the latest Apple advancements. Its scalability allows organizations to easily manage growing numbers of Apple devices, while its interoperability ensures smooth integration with not just new Apple technologies and updates but also any other OS or device type that your business or employees love and use. 

Get in touch with our experts for more details and book a free demo call. Start your 14-day free trial today, with full access to all features, and discover how easy device management can be!

References:

1. Backlinko
2. TechTarget