Recapping WWDC 2024: Key Takeaways for Apple Device Management

The highly anticipated ‘It’s Glowtime’ event from Apple just unveiled the new iPhone 16 models, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 running on watchOS 11, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2! The event also saw the release of the new iOS 18 ,iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 for supported devices! These updates are expected to provide new features and functionalities that improve both device security and the user experience. 

With iOS 18 and macOS 15 set for general release on September 16th (for supported Apple devices), let’s take a quick recap of the major feature announcements made during the WWDC 2024 event, held from 10th to 14th June, 2024, and how it impacts Apple MDM (Mobile Device Management).

What is WWDC?

The WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is an annual conference hosted by Apple in June at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. Every year at the WWDC, Apple announces new software updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, visionOS, and tvOS, as well as new emerging technologies for the developer community. This event is widely viewed by developers and enthusiasts alike, as developers get a glimpse into the latest technologies and advancements for Apple products and services.

How does iOS 18 and macOS 15 impact Apple MDM? 

For IT teams managing Apple devices, the event provides key insights into the future of Apple MDM. Here are the major feature introductions and updates that were announced at the WWDC event, and how MDM providers can benefit from these new capabilities.

Deployment

1. Automated Device Enrollment: Automated Device Enrollment now supports Apple Vision Pro, which means IT admins can now enroll devices without any physical setup.
2. SkipKeys: Apple has updated its Setup Assistant SkipKeys for ADE enrollment.

Apple Business Manager

1. Turn off Activation Lock: Apple Business Manager now allows you to turn off activation lock, directly from the ABM/ASM portal. 

Managed Apple Accounts

1. Managed Apple ID Account: Mac admins can limit any new Apple accounts created with their domain email address to a Managed Apple ID account type. 
2. Domain Capture: IT admins can now capture all Apple accounts that use their organization domain without the need for connecting to an IDP.
3. Account Transfer: Users can now convert personal Apple ID accounts to Managed Apple Accounts.

Managed Software Updates

1. Beta updates: Beta program updates can now be provisioned and managed by MDM.
2. New software update settings configuration: The new software update settings configuration will now replace legacy commands.

Safari Management

1. Manage and customize Safari extensions: IT admins can now define allowed extensions, control manage extension status, and also configure extension website access.

Mac

1. Platform SSO
   1. FileVault authentication through IDP: FileVault will now unlock with successful IDP authentication.
2. Launchd executable files: Service Configuration now has support for launchd executable files.
3. New disk management configuration: The new disk management configuration will replace the outdated media management payload.

macOS 15 Sequoia 

1. iPhone mirroring app & Passwords: For macOS 15, the iPhone mirroring app is now available, along with the new Passwords app.  
2. Apple Virtual Machines: Apple Virtual Machines now include iCloud system integration, and the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ feature. 
3. Device Management settings: The 'Profiles’ section present under System Settings -> Privacy & Security' will be renamed to ‘Device Management’.

iPhone and iPad

1. Hiding and Lock Apps: IT admins can now hide and lock apps.
2. Apps and Books for Organizations API: Apple has updated its ‘Apps and Books for Organization’ API, which can now be configured via a developer account. 
3. Managed Device Attestation: Apple will now issue Managed Device Attestation for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV devices that run on the A11 bionic chip, and Mac devices that run on Apple Silicon.

Other Key Takeaways

1. Apple Intelligence: Apple’s AI-generative model is now available natively for iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 models, Macbooks running on the A17 chip, and the M Series Silicon chips.
2. iPadOS Calculator App: The iPadOS 18 will now feature a native Calculator app. 

Enable zero-day readiness for iOS 18 and macOS 15 with SureMDM

42Gears recently announced that SureMDM will offer zero-day support for iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 once they are available, offering IT teams the perfect platform to update and manage their fleet of Apple devices seamlessly, without disrupting existing services. From improved device enrollment and management to enhanced security and privacy features, 42Gears SureMDM empowers IT teams to seamlessly leverage the new iOS 18 and macOS 15 functionalities, and deliver a secure and improved experience to their users.