MaaS360: Ask Me Anything about Apple MDM Migration Features with MaaS360 and Apple
We hope you enjoyed our recent Ask Me Anything session on Apple MDM Migration features with IBM MaaS360 and Apple. In this blog, we’ve summarized the key highlights and included frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand these new features and improvements.
This blog also covers how to add devices to Apple Business Manager without requiring a Mac. This approach is especially useful for devices that were not added by a reseller or for re-adding devices that were previously released.
You can find the March 18th, 2025, replay and presentation here. Apple MDM Migration using Apple Business Manager and Apple Configurator
Key Takeaways:
Why use Apple's New MDM Migration?
-
The migration process no longer requires a device wipe, allowing organizations to retain existing data and configurations
-
It is designed to minimize user disruption, ensuring a smoother transition with little impact on productivity.
-
Devices can seamlessly transition between MDM platforms.
-
This enhancement enables faster onboarding of devices into IBM MaaS360 while significantly reducing the amount of manual effort required by administrators.
- It also supports scalable migrations across large device fleets and ultimately delivers a better overall experience for end users.
How the Migration Works (Overview)
1. Add MaaS360 as an MDM in Apple Business Manager
2. Assign devices to MaaS360
3. Set a migration deadline
4. Apple initiates migration
5. Device receives notification
6. Device switches to MaaS360
7. User authenticates and completes enrollment
Common Use Cases and Best Practices:
-
This solution can be used when migrating from another MDM, during company mergers or acquisitions, when standardizing device management across the organization, when supporting a remote workforce, or when addressing security and compliance changes.
-
To ensure a successful migration, confirm that IBM MaaS360 is properly integrated with Apple Business Manager.
-
Verify that the APN's certificate is valid, the DEP (Apple’s Device Enrollment Program) profile is properly configured, and that devices are supervised.
-
It is also important to validate device assignments within Apple Business Manager.
-
Finally, always begin by testing the migration with a small pilot group before proceeding with a full rollout.
FAQs:
Q: If our organization is upgrading devices that have already been added to Apple Business Manager, should we proceed with the standard setup process for the new devices?
A: Yes, if devices have already been added to the Apple Business Manager Portal, the devices will sync over into MaaS360 (assuming DEP token is set up in MaaS360), and now the device is ready to be turned on and start the standard DEP enrollment process.
Q: Do the maas360 policy limitations still exist for DEP Converted devices vs DEP from the carrier?
A: No, all DEP devices have the same rights and permissions
Q: Will data on the device, photos, contacts, etc. Stay in place post-migrate?
A: Yes, all data will remain on the device since the migration process does not require a device reset.
Q: Will this migration work on devices that are not running the latest iOS version?
A: The migration feature is supported on devices running iOS 26 or later and macOS 26 or later. Devices on earlier versions will need to be updated before the migration can be performed.
Q: How can I create a support case with MaaS360?
A: You can find step-by-step instructions on how to contact support and create a case in this blog: https://community.ibm.com/community/user/blogs/kiara-foxworth/2026/02/24/maas360-support-what-to-ex…
You can expect more Ask Me Anything in the future, with our next one planned for May 20st, 2025. If you have an idea for a topic, comment below or send a suggestion to the IBM MaaS360 Customer Success team at csmaas@us.ibm.com
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to helping you make the most of these new features. Don't forget to check out the recording and documentation for more information!
Best Regards,
IBM MaaS360 Support Team