About this reference
macOS 11, iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and tvOS 14 provide new ways to deploy Apple devices. Using Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager with a mobile device management (MDM) solution gives organizations greater flexibility and control over their deployments.
Note: Although this reference is focused on the deployment of Mac computers, some sections also apply to iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV devices. In those instances, the term Apple devices is used.
This reference is divided into the following chapters.
What’s new in device deployment
This chapter covers deployment-related updates to Apple hardware, software, and services.
Integration and setup
This chapter describes the web-based portals available for deploying Apple devices, how to properly configure a Wi-Fi network (including AirPlay and Bonjour), management of content filtering, and best practices for integrating with standard services and with Microsoft Exchange Web Services, Azure AD, and Active Directory.
Deployment planning and provisioning
This chapter discusses how to pick the best deployment model for your organization and the right enrollment type for your users—and then enroll the devices into an MDM solution.
Configuration management
This chapter describes how to manage the Apple devices you own—using MDM to configure them, Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager to automatically enroll them in MDM, and Classroom to manage them.
Identity management
This chapter describes how to securely control information about users on computers—including authenticating the identity of a user (with Single sign-on) and knowing which data and actions they’re authorized to access or perform (with a Managed Apple ID).
Content distribution
This chapter describes how to purchase and deploy apps and books in volume (using Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager), install macOS content from a web server (using MDM), and reduce bandwidth load on an organization’s networks (using content caching).
Device security
This chapter provides an overview of the security-related features of Apple devices, FileVault, smart card integration, VPN protocol configuration and support, and certificate support, which are designed to securely integrate with an organization’s existing services and to protect important data.
For an in-depth review of security content, see Apple Platform Security.
To view Apple compliance information, see Apple security and privacy certifications overview and Apple security assurance.
Appendixes
The appendixes describe how to deploy Apple TV at scale, provide an overview of AppleCare support programs and of AppleSeed for IT, and list Wi-Fi specifications for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Apple TV.