configuration profile

An XML file that contains at least two payloads—for example, General settings (one setting with one payload) and Passcode settings (one setting with one payload). You install configuration profiles on a Mac or iOS device to configure specific settings. Except for passwords, users generally can’t change settings that are defined in a configuration profile. You can mark a profile as being locked to the device, so when the profile is installed, it can be removed only by wiping the device of all data (or by entering a password or passcode).

Configuration profiles can be assigned to devices, device groups, users, and user groups. Configuration profiles are created using Apple Configurator, a third-party MDM solution, or Profile Manager, which is part of macOS Server.