Apple has now opened up its Apple Business Manager (ABM) to integrate Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) devices. The company has introduced a new framework that allows administrators to add devices running macOS, iOS or iPadOS to the ABM, although they were not acquired through Apple-approved device resellers. The ABM is a tool for administrators to manage Apple devices on behalf of their organization.
With the new framework, devices can end up in the Business Manager automatically, and can be used immediately by the end user for the respective organization. However, the new framework still needs to be integrated into mobile device management programs (MDM systems).
The process of adding BYOD devices is straightforward. Using a SwiftUI view, users with device enrollment privileges can log in via their Managed Apple ID and then add the BYOD device, which can come from any channel to their organization.
To prevent security issues, the new framework provides different comparison methods. Devices that are already allowed must be nearby, with Bluetooth enabled and access to the camera available. A visual pairing PIN is then scanned over this. The device is then in the desired organization and can be further managed via the ABM.
Developers who wish to use the framework must obtain an Automated Device Enrollment Entitlement from Developer Support. There is already another way to add BYOD devices to the Apple Business Manager, as per 9to5Mac. The device must use Apple Configurator, which is a more complex process.
The update is designed to enable different MDM programs with the new features. It is unclear when the first MDM programs will appear with the new update, but it is expected that the major device management companies will be updating soon.
Apple Configurator has always enabled an easy way into the system, but the process is only available to Macs with a T2 security chip (Intel, from 2018) or Apple Silicon (M1 and M2). Mac & i Pro, a new platform for admins, developers and other Apple professionals, has more information about administering Apple devices.
