iPads are becoming more and more important not only in private environments, but also for use in companies. In particular, the shared iPad model, in which one iPad can be used by multiple users, offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for the use of mobile IT in companies. In our article we introduce you to the setup and use of shared iPads and highlight the advantages of using them in companies and educational institutions.

Setting up shared iPads for companies 

When iPads are set up for shared use, multiple users can use a single iPad. Each user receives their own login data with which they can access their personal user profile. Individual data and settings are stored in this profile.

Shared iPads for companies are set up via the Apple Business Manager (ABM). For schools and other educational institutions the Apple School Manager (ASM) is available. These platforms are used to mark the mobile devices as belonging to the company or educational institution and to assign Mobile Device Management (MDM) to the devices. An MDM is mandatory to set up the iPads for professional use.

Setting up the iPad takes just a few simple steps:

1. Register iPads in ABM (you can find out how this works here: ABM..)
2. Connect iPads to the MDM.
3. Activate the “Allow shared iPad” function in MDM.

You can find step-by-step instructions for shared iPads here: Set up shared iPads 

To use shared iPads in companies, you don't necessarily have to buy new iPads. However, it should be borne in mind that existing iPads must have at least iOS 11 and 32 GB of storage space. Additionally, the iPads must be reset to factory settings before they can be set up as shared iPads. If you purchase new iPads, it makes sense to purchase them from a licensed reseller. The advantage here is that the devices are already registered in the ABM when they arrive. 

Shared iPads for companies and public institutions offer a wide range of possible uses

With its mobile devices, Apple offers great features that can also be used for work, making things much easier. By securing them with an MDM, iPhones and iPads can also be used in a GDPR-compliant manner, which plays a particularly important role in education and healthcare. The shared iPad function also enables other interesting areas of application:

Educational institutions:

In schools and universities, shared iPads enable efficient use of resources. Students can log in on one device with their own login details and access individual learning materials and notes. Shared iPads can be used in lessons, for example for group work, presentations and tests. In libraries and learning centers, users also have access to apps and learning materials without having to bring their own device.

Healthcare:

In hospitals and clinics, both medical staff and patients benefit from shared iPads. Doctors and nurses can log in to the devices to view patient records, exchange information and record medical data. Patients can also use iPads to access entertainment or stay informed about their treatment progress - a simple and secure solution for better patient care.

Retail and Hospitality:

In retail, shared iPads make work easier for sales and customer advisors. Employees can check inventories, take orders and view customer data. In the hospitality industry, hotel guests use the devices to control room services, provide entertainment or navigate through hotel offerings. An MDM can also be used to limit the number of apps available, preventing iPads from being used improperly.

Companies and offices: 

Shared iPads offer a practical solution for companies with flexible workspaces, such as shared desk organizations. Employees who are not always tied to the same desk can log in to the devices and have immediate access to their work documents, emails and apps. Shared iPads are also popular in meeting rooms as they can be used as a booking system, for presentations or as a digital whiteboard.

Public facilities:

Museums, citizens' offices and other public institutions use shared iPads as information and service devices for visitors. They can be used for interactive tours and as information terminals to provide a modern and sustainable solution.

Benefits of Shared iPads for Business

Based on the diverse areas of application, it can already be guessed that the use of shared iPads brings numerous advantages for companies and educational institutions. In addition to the obvious cost savings, as fewer devices have to be purchased overall, the overall administrative effort for mobile IT is also reduced. Especially in companies where people work in shifts anyway, it is not necessary for every employee to have their own iPad. Instead, a small, clear pool of devices can be managed by the responsible person.

An MDM can also be used to determine exactly how many users are allowed to log in on a device. The admin creates the user list and logs the relevant users in once. The MDM saves these people and no one else can log in other than them. This ensures that an iPad is only used by approved users. The initial password is generated by the admin in the ABM and can then be changed at any time on the iPad.

Other benefits also include…

Cost efficiency and sustainability:

Shared iPads are a particularly cost-effective solution because multiple people can use the same device. For schools, companies or clinics, this means a significant reduction in acquisition costs. Fewer devices also mean less resource consumption and a more sustainable solution that reduces electronic waste.

Privacy and Security: 

Thanks to user separation on shared iPads, personal data and settings remain protected. Data protection is particularly crucial in the healthcare and education sectors. Each user has their own profile, which ensures that no sensitive data can be viewed by other users.

Central administration and control:

IT administrators can centrally manage shared iPads, install apps and control permissions. This simplifies administration, especially in companies and schools, and ensures compliance with security guidelines.

Flexibility and mobility: 

Shared iPads are a perfect fit for modern working methods that value flexibility. Employees working from home, in shift work or in a flexible workplace model can simply log in to any iPad and access their personalized work environments. This saves time and enables mobile working without sacrificing productivity.

Personalization for each user:

Each user can access their specific apps, files and settings, creating a personalized experience. It's easier for students, employees and customers to rely on a shared device without having to give up the convenience of their own iPad.

Shared iPads as an efficient solution for modern requirements

Sharing iPads offers many benefits for schools, businesses, clinics and retailers. Shared iPads are not only cost-effective, but also enable flexible, data protection-compliant and personalized work. Central management and ease of use make shared iPads an ideal solution for facilities that want to efficiently meet modern requirements.