macos

WWDC 2025 – macOS Management Just Leveled Up

Kevin Ton

— 1 min read

Apple made serious waves at WWDC 2025 with announcements that directly impact how we manage macOS—and frankly, it's about time. If you're managing Apple devices at scale, this was the update we've been waiting for.

Here are the top enhancements and what they mean for the endpoint world:

1. Declarative Device Management Across the Board

Declarative Device Management is no longer just a buzzword—it's standard across all Apple platforms. For macOS, this means better performance, faster updates, and a significant shift away from the legacy polling/check-in model. Expect more responsive and reliable device management that aligns with modern infrastructure expectations.

2. Seamless MDM Migration (Finally)

You can now migrate devices between MDMs without nuking them. Apps, data, and user settings remain intact. No more excuses. Whether you're consolidating MDMs or moving from Jamf to Intune, this is a game-changer.

  • The new MDM takes over Activation Lock.
  • FileVault keys can be rotated and escrowed using the Bootstrap Token.
  • Admins get full visibility through Apple Business Manager.

3. Platform SSO in Setup Assistant

SSO registration during Automated Device Enrollment is here. Users get seamless identity integration during initial setup—no extra steps, no post-enrollment scripts. This simplifies frontline deployment and tightens compliance from day one.

4. Tap to Login for Shared Macs

For frontline and shift-based environments, this is clutch. Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch and you're in. It's secure, fast, and eliminates the need for shared passwords or constant logouts. Expect smoother user turnover in shared device scenarios.

5. App Version Control

IT now has more control over app rollout: pin versions, block updates, and enforce manual validation before updates go live. For orgs with mission-critical apps that break on every .1 update, this is a lifesaver.

My Take

Apple's updates show they're serious about the enterprise. macOS is no longer an afterthought—it’s now becoming a first-class citizen in the enterprise environment. These features aren’t just upgrades; they’re critical enablers for real control.

If you’re managing a mixed environment or trying to justify deeper Apple integration—this is the ammo you need.

I’ll be testing these updates across my lab and client environments in the coming weeks. Expect configuration guides, compatibility callouts, and implementation best practices soon.

Let’s push macOS management forward—together.

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