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Apple recently rolled out iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4, with several updates that matter to IT teams managing Apple devices in the enterprise. Most of the changes are focused on device management capabilities and tightening up behavior around managed settings, but let’s dive in.
About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers managed an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Through his experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise grade Wi-Fi, 1000s of Macs, and 1000s of iPads, Bradley will highlight ways in which Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, build networks to support them, train users, stories from the trenches of IT management, and ways Apple could improve its products for IT departments.
What’s new for IT admins in iOS 18.4?
With iOS 81.4, IT admins can now use their device management system to disable individual Apple Intelligence features like smart Mail replies, Safari content summaries, and usage reports. There’s also new control over whether to allow end users to change the default calling and messaging apps. Additionally, ManagedApp framework support has expanded with better password, certificate, and identity handling.
Account-driven enrollment also sees enhancements with release of OS 18.4 as IT can now authenticate using EnrollmentSSO while installing a separate required app during onboarding. For enterprises using 802.1X, Apple has clarified required key usages on server certificates depending on which TLS cipher suite is in use.
A few bugs related to device management were fixed as well, including an issue with Control Center not being editable under certain Home Screen layout payloads and App Store restrictions affecting cellular download settings.
What’s new for IT admins in macOS Sequoia 15.4?
The big change with macOS Sequoia 15.4 is the new Setup Assistant behavior. The device management system can now enforce enrollment into macOS beta programs and control a new pane for enabling automatic software updates. Passkeys and hardware security keys can now be used for authentication during device management enrollment, simplifying onboarding with stronger authentication options.
Private Wi-Fi Address settings can now be locked down per managed network. Apple Intelligence features can be turned off, matching the iOS 18.4 changes. Like iOS, macOS also requires specific key usage values on server certificates for 802.1X, depending on the cipher suite.
Apple also fixed a long list of device management bugs, including issues with managed software updates, Finder behavior with SMB shares, and FileVault-related quirks with 802.1X over Ethernet. Finder and SMB share has long been a frustration of mine, so I am glad to see Apple giving it some attention.
Wrap up
For a late cycle release, 18.4 and 15.4 bring some nice IT enhancements. Particularly with Apple Intelligence, I am glad to see Apple putting control in IT’s hands. With WWDC looming, we’ll all turn out attention to iOS 19 and macOS 16, but the needs of IT don’t stop because WWDC is scheduled. Having a continual stream of IT enhancements throughout the year is a key to build trust between Apple and IT.
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple.
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