Managing a fleet of Apple devices in an organization can be streamlined using Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM). This article will guide you through the steps to set up and manage your Apple devices efficiently.

Introduction

Apple Business Manager is a web-based portal that helps you deploy iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs. When combined with an MDM solution, it allows you to configure device settings, manage apps, and ensure the security of your devices.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setting Up Apple Business Manager

Step 1: Enroll in Apple Business Manager

• Visit Apple Business Manager and sign up for an account.
• Complete the enrollment process by providing necessary business information.

Step 2: Configure Device Enrollment

• In the ABM portal, go to Settings > Device Management Settings.
• Add your MDM server by clicking on Add MDM Server.
• Provide a name for the server and upload the public key certificate from your MDM solution.

Step 3: Assign Devices to MDM Server

• Navigate to Devices > Assign Devices.
• Select the devices you want to manage and assign them to the MDM server you configured.

2. Configuring Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Step 1: Choose an MDM Solution

• Select an MDM solution that supports Apple devices, such as Jamf, MobileIron, or Microsoft Intune.

Step 2: Enroll Devices in MDM

• Follow the instructions provided by your MDM solution to enroll devices.
• Devices can be enrolled manually or automatically during the initial setup using ABM.

Step 3: Configure Device Policies

• Use the MDM console to create and apply configuration profiles.
• Examples of configurations include Wi-Fi settings, VPN settings, email accounts, and restrictions on device usage.

Examples

Example 1: Creating a Wi-Fi Configuration Profile

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>PayloadContent</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>PayloadType</key>
            <string>com.apple.wifi.managed</string>
            <key>PayloadVersion</key>
            <integer>1</integer>
            <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
            <string>com.example.wifi</string>
            <key>PayloadUUID</key>
            <string>UUID-GOES-HERE</string>
            <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
            <string>Wi-Fi Configuration</string>
            <key>SSID_STR</key>
            <string>YourWiFiSSID</string>
            <key>HIDDEN_NETWORK</key>
            <false/>
            <key>AutoJoin</key>
            <true/>
            <key>EncryptionType</key>
            <string>WPA</string>
            <key>Password</key>
            <string>YourWiFiPassword</string>
        </dict>
    </array>
    <key>PayloadType</key>
    <string>Configuration</string>
    <key>PayloadVersion</key>
    <integer>1</integer>
    <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
    <string>com.example.config</string>
    <key>PayloadUUID</key>
    <string>UUID-GOES-HERE</string>
    <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
    <string>Wi-Fi Configuration</string>
</dict>
</plist>

Example 2: Restricting App Installation

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>PayloadContent</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>PayloadType</key>
            <string>com.apple.applicationaccess</string>
            <key>PayloadVersion</key>
            <integer>1</integer>
            <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
            <string>com.example.restrictions</string>
            <key>PayloadUUID</key>
            <string>UUID-GOES-HERE</string>
            <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
            <string>Restrictions</string>
            <key>allowAppInstallation</key>
            <false/>
        </dict>
    </array>
    <key>PayloadType</key>
    <string>Configuration</string>
    <key>PayloadVersion</key>
    <integer>1</integer>
    <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
    <string>com.example.config</string>
    <key>PayloadUUID</key>
    <string>UUID-GOES-HERE</string>
    <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
    <string>Restrictions</string>
</dict>
</plist>

Conclusion

By leveraging Apple Business Manager and an MDM solution, you can efficiently manage your Apple devices, ensuring they are configured correctly and secure. This approach simplifies device deployment and management, making it easier to support your organization's needs.