Apple @ Work: New Updates for IT Admins in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2

Apple @ Work is proudly presented by Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle stands as the exclusive solution that merges all essential tools needed to effortlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices in a professional environment. More than 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to prepare millions of Apple devices with minimal effort and at a competitive price. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and discover why Mosyle is your ultimate partner for Apple.

Continuing the trend of mid-cycle enhancements, Apple’s updates with iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 introduce new features aimed at enterprises, particularly in the realm of Apple Intelligence. Below is an overview of what’s new for IT teams with these updates.

About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers oversaw an enterprise IT network from 2009 until 2021. With hands-on experience in deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi networks, and thousands of Macs and iPads, Bradley shares insights on how Apple IT managers deploy devices, build supportive networks, train users, and offers real-world narratives from IT management, along with suggestions for Apple to enhance its product offerings for IT departments.

Major updates in iOS 18.2

Apple continues to enhance enterprise management for IT teams with some impressive updates. Here are the key highlights for IT administrators managing iOS:

• Integrations with Apple Intelligence: Device management solutions can now control aspects of external Apple intelligence features, such as restricting Image Playgrounds. With Apple’s focus shifting toward Apple Intelligence, it’s beneficial to see these timely additions for IT.
• Improvements to Safari Multi-Factor Authentication: Safari now consistently (a notable choice of words from Apple) supports hardware security key PINs. This enhancement enriches user experience while ensuring strong security for employees utilizing this feature.
• Management of Default Browsers: Device management tools can now enforce a default browser, preventing users from altering this setting. Whether your organization uses Safari or an alternative browser, this feature helps maintain uniformity across devices.
• Simplified Enrollment via Apple Configurator: New skip keys in Apple Configurator facilitate automated enrollments without requiring manual input. This change significantly reduces setup times for IT departments handling extensive deployments.
• Enhanced Account-Driven Enrollment: Service discovery in account-driven enrollment is now capable of retrieving resources from an alternate location as specified by your device management system linked to Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager.

Significant updates in macOS Sonoma 15.2

The enterprise enhancements in macOS Sonoma 15.2 reflect some of the features introduced in iOS 18.2 while adding macOS-specific functionalities:

• Management of Apple Intelligence and Image Playgrounds: Similar to iOS 18.2, device management applications can manage Apple Intelligence integrations and restrict image generation in Image Playgrounds.
• Advanced AirPlay Payload Management: AirPlay device management payloads now accommodate passwords with the DeviceName string for tvOS 18 and the DeviceID string for earlier versions, maintaining backward compatibility while also supporting the latest Apple hardware.
• Reset OpenSSH Configuration: A new Terminal option allows IT administrators to reset the OpenSSH configuration on their devices. For more information, admins can reference man apple_ssh_and_fips. This update simplifies troubleshooting and management of configurations for secure remote access on macOS.
• Safari Multi-Factor Authentication: Echoing iOS, macOS’s Safari now reliably manages hardware security key PINs, ensuring a cohesive device experience.
• Improved Video Conferencing and Networking Stability: Video conferencing applications operate more reliably, even when the built-in firewall and content filter extensions are active. There has also been a notable improvement in DNS resolution.
• Flexible Account-Driven Enrollment: Like iOS 18.2, macOS now enables service discovery from alternate locations designated by the device management system, streamlining the enrollment process, especially in intricate network setups.

Conclusion on the updates in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2

These mid-cycle updates for device management indicate Apple’s ongoing commitment to equipping iOS and macOS for enterprise environments without compromising user experience. With enhanced controls over AI integrations, smoother enrollment processes, and reinforced security, IT administrators can achieve a better harmony between innovation and compliance. For businesses managing extensive fleets of Apple devices, iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 present valuable updates that facilitate deployment, enhance security, and accommodate distinctive workflows. Particularly in the realm of Apple Intelligence, it’s encouraging to observe Apple continuing to empower IT teams with the necessary control and capabilities.

Apple @ Work is proudly presented by Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle stands as the exclusive solution that merges all essential tools needed to effortlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices in a professional environment. More than 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to prepare millions of Apple devices with minimal effort and at a competitive price. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and discover why Mosyle is your ultimate partner for Apple.