Apple has a history of unveiling new updates across its software and devices at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) — and its 2022 event was no different. Among other updates, Apple launched a new operating system version called macOS Ventura that offers many new features for users and IT admins to make the most of their technology systems.
These updates are increasingly essential for IT admins as Apple device prevalence continues to grow within the workplace. According to one recent estimate, Macs now account for 23 percent of laptop devices within office environments, up from 19 percent in 2019, and iPhones account for 49 percent of mobile devices. For this reason, new features and functionalities are becoming more critical to employees’ daily productivity and capabilities.
MacOS Ventura includes many new updates that might interest IT admins, including declarative device management, system settings, and Service Device Management MDM profile.
-
-
- Declarative Device Management: Declarative device management will help IT admins with gathering more real-time information for configuration. It also helps MDM providers like Addigy deliver apps, books, software updates, and more with much greater speed and reliability
- System Settings: With Traditional System Preferences gone, any configuration profile that manages System Preferences is no longer applicable. Overhauled to have macOS look more like an iOS device, System Updates adds even more control for admins to determine when and which priority software updates should apply.
- Service Management MDM Profile + Numerous Other Keys: The Service Management MDM profile allows IT admins to control and turn off or on the following: login apps within the system settings and control what users see when installing applications on macOS devices.
- New Apple Prompts for Login Items, Peripherals, and more: Now end users will receive prompts for new persistent applications installing on devices and peripherals connected to the device. Additionally, Software Updates will prompt users for credentials which requires volume ownership
-
Apple also introduced some enhancements around cybersecurity. Apple said it is planning to launch Passkeys, a type of credential supposedly more secure than passwords that leverage Touch ID or Face ID for authentication. “Passkeys are a replacement for passwords that are designed to provide websites and apps a passwordless sign-in experience that is both more convenient and more secure,” according to Apple. Additionally, Apple launched a new Rapid Security Response feature, allowing security updates without a reboot (which can deter some users from implementing them). Also, these updates are enabled by default.
While all these features and functionalities are exciting, there have been some hiccups and problems that IT admins should be aware of since the rollout. Some users have experienced getting stuck when downloading the new operating system (though a reboot seems to fix this in most cases). Users have also reported some problems with updating systems, as devices may need to be compatible with macOS Ventura.
To ensure a smooth rollout of MacOS Ventura Updates, IT admins should take device and software inventory, and deploy Systems Updates via MDM. Additionally, as with any new operating system, IT admins can always recommend holding off on updates until Apple resolves any glitches or bugs.
As Apple devices continue to rise in popularity in the office, IT admins should keep pace with the latest features and updates that can provide value to the users within their organization. In doing so, they can make sure they are leveraging technology to its fullest within the company and maximizing the benefit it can provide.
