Managing Apple Software Updates Across Multiple Devices in Your Organisation

Keeping Apple devices up-to-date with the latest software versions is essential for maintaining security, compatibility, and performance across your organisation. However, managing updates on multiple devices can be challenging without the right strategies in place. This guide will walk you through effective methods for managing Apple software updates across multiple devices, ensuring that your organisation benefits from the latest features and security improvements without disrupting productivity.

Table of Contents

1. Importance of Regular Software Updates
2. Methods for Managing Updates Across Multiple Devices
3. Using Apple Business Manager and MDM Solutions
4. Configuring Automatic Updates
5. Setting Up a Centralised Update Schedule
6. Monitoring and Reporting Update Compliance
7. Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Importance of Regular Software Updates

Regular software updates are crucial for several reasons:

• Enhanced Security: Updates patch vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber threats.
• Improved Performance: New versions often optimise system performance, enhancing speed and efficiency.
• Access to New Features: Updates bring new functionalities that can improve workflows.
• Device Compatibility: Updates ensure compatibility with new software and applications your organisation may implement.

By ensuring your devices are consistently updated, you’ll minimise potential risks and maintain a smooth operating environment.

Methods for Managing Updates Across Multiple Devices

For organisations using multiple Apple devices, there are several ways to manage software updates:

1. Manual Updates: Updating each device manually through Settings > General > Software Update. While feasible for smaller organisations, this approach becomes impractical as the number of devices grows.

2. Automatic Updates: Configuring devices to download and install updates automatically, suitable for environments where updates need to be implemented as soon as they’re available.

3. Mobile Device Management (MDM): Using an MDM solution to automate and control updates across devices centrally. This approach offers the highest level of control and flexibility, ideal for medium and large organisations.

Using Apple Business Manager and MDM Solutions

Apple Business Manager paired with an MDM solution allows administrators to manage updates, apps, and settings across all Apple devices from a central dashboard. This setup is particularly useful for organisations with large device fleets, as it provides a seamless way to monitor and control updates without manually handling each device.

1. Enroll Devices: Begin by enrolling each device in Apple Business Manager. This process connects each device to your organisation’s MDM system, allowing for centralised control.

2. Configure Update Policies: Set policies for when and how updates are applied. You can choose to schedule updates during off-hours or push updates only after they’ve been tested for compatibility.

3. Update Approval: Use the MDM to approve or defer updates. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that require stability, as it allows IT administrators to review updates before deployment.

Popular MDM solutions for managing Apple devices include Jamf Pro, Kandji, and Microsoft Intune. These platforms offer comprehensive tools for managing Apple software updates alongside other device settings and security policies.

Configuring Automatic Updates

Automatic updates can be configured on individual devices or enforced across all devices using MDM.

1. Enabling Automatic Updates on Devices:
   • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and toggle on Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates.
   • On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Software Update and check Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
2. MDM-Enforced Automatic Updates: Use your MDM platform to enforce automatic updates across all devices. MDM solutions typically allow administrators to control the timing and scope of these updates, enabling you to specify off-peak hours to minimise disruption.

Setting Up a Centralised Update Schedule

A centralised update schedule allows you to control when updates are applied, reducing the risk of compatibility issues or interruptions during peak business hours.

1. Plan Update Times: Choose times when devices are least likely to be in use, such as overnight or on weekends. With MDM, you can schedule updates to be downloaded at one time and installed later.

2. Phased Rollouts: If your organisation uses a large number of devices, consider deploying updates in phases. This approach allows you to monitor any issues on a smaller scale before a full rollout.

3. Testing Updates: Before implementing major updates, it can be helpful to test them on a few devices. Once you’re confident in their stability, deploy the updates to all devices.

Monitoring and Reporting Update Compliance

Using an MDM platform, IT administrators can track the update status of each device within the organisation. This capability ensures all devices comply with company policies and that critical updates are installed on time.

1. Compliance Monitoring: Check each device’s update status to verify they’re running the latest version of iOS, macOS, or other Apple software. MDM dashboards usually provide a summary of compliance.

2. Automated Reporting: Many MDM solutions offer automated reporting tools that generate compliance reports. These reports are invaluable for internal auditing and ensuring that devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.

3. Alert System: Set up alerts to notify you when devices are out-of-date or if an update has failed. This proactive approach allows you to address potential security risks swiftly.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Even with careful planning, issues can arise during the update process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Storage Issues: Ensure devices have enough free space before updating. MDM solutions can send notifications to users or IT when storage is running low.

2. Network Connectivity: Updates require a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. If updates are slow or failing, consider using a wired connection for critical updates, or ensure Wi-Fi is stable.

3. Power Issues: Devices should be charged or connected to power during updates. Remind employees to keep devices connected if the update process is lengthy.

4. Update Loops or Failed Installs: Occasionally, updates may fail or get stuck. Restart the device and retry the update. If the issue persists, use Recovery Mode (for iOS) or macOS Recovery (for Macs) to reinstall the software.

Conclusion

Managing Apple software updates across multiple devices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right setup—utilising Apple Business Manager, MDM solutions, and centralised scheduling—your organisation can stay secure, up-to-date, and productive. By implementing these strategies, IT administrators can keep devices running smoothly, protect sensitive data, and ensure your organisation benefits from the latest Apple software features and improvements.