Many companies use macOS devices by Apple for work purposes. Apple devices offer many advantages, one of which is their manageability through an MDM (Mobile Device Management). In our article we’ll have a look at what other advantages MacBooks offer for work, then at how MacBooks can be set up as work devices and how they can be fully secured.

MacBook Air and the likes: The variety of Apple devices for work

Windows devices are still widely used in Germany. With a total market share of over 80% (source: Statista.de, 2024), these are the most represented. One reason for this could of course be the higher price of MacBooks, but perhaps also simply a lack of awareness that MacBooks are not only useful for graphic artists and designers. macOS devices have a number of other advantages that also make them interesting for other industries:

Operating system and software:

macOS devices are very user-friendly due to their simple layout. In addition, macOS devices receive operating system updates for many years, which guarantees a long service life and protection of the devices. Because Apple also produces the devices, software and device form a well-functioning unit.

Lightness and stability:

macOS devices are very suitable for mobile work, e.g. for taking with you on business trips, as they are thin and light. Nevertheless, the devices are very stable and resistant to shocks and scratches. Another plus point is that the battery life is very good, meaning that you can work for longer periods of time without the possibility of recharging.

By using macOS devices, companies also receive devices that last longer and can be used for many application scenarios for the larger price.

macOS and MDM: Why Apple devices also need an MDM

Although Apple devices already have many security features, they still need to be secured more extensively for their use in companies in order to meet the requirements of data protection guidelines. The interaction of macOS and MDM is therefore very important for companies. An MDM (Mobile Device Management System) offers the following important advantages for IT admins and management.

Central administration:

All macOS devices and all other devices can be organized centrally in an MDM. By assigning it to individual employees, the information on which device is used by which employee is easily stored. This makes it easier to keep track of the IT infrastructure and helps avoid shadow IT, as only devices included in the MDM are allowed access to the corporate network. Email accounts and permitted WiFi connections can also be pre-configured via the MDM.

Reduction in maintenance effort:

By centrally recording all devices, they can be controlled virtually via the MDM. With the help of an MDM, for example, apps can be installed or deleted, macOS updates can be installed on all devices and much more. This means that employees do not have to maintain their devices themselves, nor does the admin have to collect the devices for each update or go to the employees individually. This reduces the time and technical effort immensely.

Advanced security features:

Probably one of the most important factors in the interaction between macOS and MDM are the security features. With the help of MobiVisor MDM, for example, the camera can be deactivated, screenshots can be prohibited, password guidelines can be specified or firewall configurations can be specified. With these and many other MDM features for macOS, companies can build a specific security structure that exactly meets their needs.

Integrate macOS into an MDM

Of course, in order to be able to manage macOS devices via an MDM, they must first be connected to it. The easiest way to do this is to order them as Apple DEP devices - i.e. those that are intended for internal company use. You can usually do this by purchasing the devices from an IT provider. We at IOTIQ would be happy to advise you in this regard.
The integration into the MDM then takes place via the Apple Business Portal and is completed in just a few steps. However, it is important to know that you must definitely appoint a person in the company who you can register as a contact person at Apple. If there are already MacBooks in your company and you also want to manage them with an MDM, you can also convert your Macbook into a DEP device later. If the MacBook is registered in the Apple Business Account, the MacBook and MDM are then connected to each other via certificates. As soon as the device is switched on by the employee for the first time, all security guidelines are automatically applied. This means the MacBook can be used directly for work.