Managed Apple IDs alternatives

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Level 1

4 points

Managed Apple IDs alternatives

I have 7 sales reps in the field that we provide Mac laptops and some iPads to. When they leave the company the devices come back and I need to assign them to another user. I don't need to manage their apps, control their settings or any of the other stuff Apple Business Manager tries to do. I don't need an MDM. They take care of their own devices. I just need to reset the device if they leave.

This seems to be very hard to do. I have already spent more time than several returned devices would be worth.

Managed Apple IDs can't install updates. That is a showstopper.

Non Managed Apple IDs have to use 2 factor auth. This locks all company devices to the personal phone of the user, another showstopper.

Posted on Nov 6, 2023 11:47 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

celliott147

Level 6

12,582 points

Nov 7, 2023 7:22 AM in response to Mr Turner

While you may think you don't need it, MDM is the way to go. Some platforms are cheaper than others. Mosyle starts at $1/device/month. Jamf Now gives 3 free devices then is $4/device/month. Apple Business Essentials is $2.99/device/month.

These platforms allow you to install updates, quickly wipe and reset devices, and bypass any activation locks. They also allow you to deploy apps, lock missing devices, and protect your org.

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Answer 2

Mr Turner Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2023 1:19 PM in response to Mr Turner

So it looks like there is no alternative except just using personal Apple IDs and writing off the occasional laptop as a cost of doing business with Apple.

I disagree about the MDM suggestion. It's not just the hundreds of dollars per year in subscription fees. It's the thousands of dollars in research and training time over the years.

MDM makes sense if you have dozens or hundreds of devices that you need to closely manage and junior techs to do the legwork. For a small business with just a few devices, an MDM is a lot of overhead for little benefit.

Now I have to figure out how to get out of Apple Business Manager. Looks like I have to erase the devices and start over.

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Answer 3

celliott147

Level 6

12,582 points

Nov 13, 2023 7:53 AM in response to Mr Turner

I use MDM for my wife's small business. The cost of MDM+training (many of the entry MDMs don't need it), is less than the cost of replacing a device. If you have 7 devices and use Apple Business Essentials, you're paying $252/year. You would have to replace a bricked device less than once every 4 years to come out ahead on replacing vs MDM.

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Answer 4

Mr Turner Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 7, 2023 8:06 AM in response to celliott147

Yes, I am paying the money for Apple Business Essentials. I want the user to install their own updates. Why would the company pay me $150 an hour as a MSP when the user can just do a few clicks. I only have to reset a device about once every 2 years. Most devices age out of usefulness and are recycled rather than reset. The user can wipe it. Once I hand the device to a sales rep it goes out of state and I will not be able to touch it except a two hour window during the annual sales meeting. I let them manage their own apps.

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Managed Apple IDs alternatives

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