DEP-2025 Apple Deployment and Management Certification Exam Questions and Answers

FileVault encryption requires authentication. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "When FileVault is enabled, macOS Recovery requires a FileVault-enabled user account and password to decrypt the disk." Option D (Recovery Lock) uses a separate password, not user selection.

Managed apps offer flexibility. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Managed apps can be revoked or reassigned to other users or devices via MDM." Option B is false as device assignment is possible, C is incorrect for books, and D is wrong as apps can be device-assigned.

User Enrollment separates managed Keychain items. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "With User Enrollment, Keychain items associated with a Managed Apple ID are stored in a distinct cryptographic container." Options B, C, and D aren’t separated unless tied to managed apps.

For Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments, User Enrollment is the commonly used method. It allows users to enroll their personal devices in an MDM solution via a customized URL or portal, maintaining a separation between personal and managed data. Device Enrollment (option A) is typically for organization-owned devices, requiring more control than BYOD allows. Automated Device Enrollment (option C) is for organization-owned devices pre-registered with Apple, not BYOD. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies User Enrollment as the standard for BYOD.

Apple’s MDM framework standardizes tools. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "Apple’s MDM framework provides a consistent set of APIs and management tools that all MDM vendors use to manage Apple devices." Option D supports communication, not tools.

TheReturn to Serviceworkflow is designed for quickly redeploying supervised devices without IT staff manually setting them up. Apple notes that when initiating Return to Service with the EraseDevice command, administrators can optionally include items such as aWi-Fi profile. This ensures that the freshly erased device reconnects to the organization’s network automatically, allowing enrollment and setup to proceed without user intervention. Other items like wallpapers, installed apps, or Home Screen layouts are restored later through MDM after enrollment. Including a Wi-Fi payload is particularly critical for devices that do not have cellular connectivity.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage firewall settings on macOS devices, enabling or disabling the firewall, specifying allowed apps, or configuring stealth mode. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring network security. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to firewall management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles contain the settings. Note: iOS/iPadOS devices don’t have user-configurable firewalls, so this applies to macOS. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails firewall configuration via profiles.

Declarative Device Management (DDM), introduced by Apple, allows devices to autonomously manage their configurations based on declarations provided by the MDM server. When reporting their status back to the MDM server, devices use the status channel, a dedicated communication pathway designed for this purpose. Declarations (option A) are instructions sent from the MDM server to the device, not the mechanism for reporting status. Profiles (option C) are used in traditional MDM to configure devices but are not specific to status reporting in DDM. Apple’sMDM Protocol Referenceexplains that the status channel enables devices to send updates about their compliance and configuration state, confirming B as the correct answer.

TheReturn to Serviceworkflow is designed to quickly redeploy devices, particularly in education or enterprise shared-use environments. Apple Learning explains that the key benefit is theautomatic progression of the device to the Home Screen after an erase command. Normally, Setup Assistant requires user input to complete setup after a wipe, but with Return to Service, MDM can preconfigure settings such as Wi-Fi payloads and enrollment profiles. This allows the device to erase, re-enroll, and complete setup with no user interaction, landing directly at the Home Screen ready for the next user. It does not create Apple IDs, nor does it install updates automatically. It also avoids requiring authentication during setup. The speed and automation reduce IT overhead and downtime when reissuing devices.

MDM manages beta enrollment.TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "MDM can enroll devices in the Apple Beta Software Program by pushing a profile with beta update settings."

Enrollment SSO streamlines account-driven enrollment. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Enrollment SSO simplifies authentication during account-driven enrollment by allowing users to authenticate once with their Managed Apple ID across the process." Option B is incorrect as it’s not a distinct technology here.

A content token links app licenses to MDM for distribution. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To configure Managed Distribution, download the content token from Apple Business Manager and upload it to your MDM server. This token authorizes the MDM to manage and distribute apps to enrolled devices." Options B, C, and D are unrelated to app distribution.

Service discovery aids account-driven User Enrollment. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Account-driven User Enrollment uses service discovery to automatically locate the MDM enrollment URL, streamlining the process." Option A is false (Managed Apple ID required), C applies to ADE, and D is incorrect (federation is supported).

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage Safari settings on a device, such as disabling autofill, restricting adult content, or enforcing safe browsing. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, tailoring browser behavior to organizational needs. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to Safari management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide details Safari configuration via profiles.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), used with Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, automatically supervises devices during setup, enabling advanced restrictions and management. Supervision is a default outcome of ADE for organization-owned devices. Device Enrollment (option B) can include supervision if paired with tools like Apple Configurator, but it’s not inherent. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD and doesn’t support supervision to protect user privacy. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideties supervision to ADE.

With User Enrollment, personal and managed iCloud Drives coexist separately. TheiOS Deployment Referenceexplains, "When a device is enrolled with a Managed Apple ID via User Enrollment and iCloud Drive is enabled, an additional iCloud Drive appears in the Files app, separating personal data (linked to the personal Apple ID) from managed data (linked to the Managed Apple ID)." Option B is incorrect as data doesn’t merge, C is false as personal data remains accessible, and D doesn’t occur during this process.

Skipping Location Services hides it and disables it, with admin control. ThemacOS Deployment Referencestates, "If the Location Services pane is skipped in Setup Assistant, it is hidden from the user, and the service is disabled post-enrollment. An administrator can enable it later in System Settings." Option B fits managed scenarios, unlike D which implies user control.

Apple’sContent Cachingservice reduces internet bandwidth by storing software updates, apps, and iCloud content locally. In multi-subnet environments, admins can refine caching behavior using advanced options. Apple documentation highlights that to optimize across subnets, you can configure caching to includecustom local networks(B) so devices beyond a single LAN can retrieve cached data. Additionally, caches can be configured toshare peers across custom local networks(D), allowing multiple caches or subnet groups to collaborate. Options limited to the same local network or public IP are less flexible, and do not optimize cross-subnet bandwidth utilization.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions provide IT administrators with the ability to manage software updates on macOS devices remotely. Through MDM, administrators can defer updates, enforce specific versions, or schedule installations, ensuring compliance and security across an organization’s fleet. Apple Configurator (option A) is primarily for iOS/iPadOS/tvOS devices, not macOS update management. System Preferences (option C) allows individual users to manage updates locally, not administrators remotely. Terminal (option D) can script updates but lacks the centralized control of MDM. TheMDM Protocol Referencedetails MDM’s software update management capabilities for macOS.

Apple silicon Macs introduced a new security model, replacing firmware passwords with theSetRecoveryLockMDM command. This command allows administrators to set a recovery password that must be entered before anyone can boot into macOS Recovery. SinceStartup Security Utilityis accessed through Recovery, the Recovery Lock effectively prevents end users from entering this tool without IT authorization. Apple’s learning materials clarify that legacy commands likeSetFirmwarePasswordapply only to Intel-based Macs. FileVault protects data at rest but does not block access to Recovery. PreventSystemSecurityAccess is not a defined MDM command. The correct and modern approach isSetRecoveryLock, which aligns with Apple silicon’s secure boot architecture and enterprise deployment best practices.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) is ideal for distributing devices to multiple users across multiple regions because it allows enrollment in an MDM solution without physically handling the devices. Devices are pre-registered in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, and upon setup, they automatically enroll in MDM, streamlining deployment at scale. Device Enrollment (option A) requires manual profile installation, impractical for large, dispersed deployments. User Enrollment (option B) is suited for BYOD, not organization-owned devices distributed widely. TheApple Platform Deployment Guiderecommends ADE for such scenarios.

For an MDM solution to operate effectively, it relies on certificates, particularly for secure communication with Apple Push Notification service (APNs) and for establishing encrypted connections via SSL/TLS. An APNs certificate is required to authenticate the MDM server with Apple’s APNs infrastructure, enabling it to send push notifications to managed devices. Additionally, an SSL certificate secures the communication channel between the MDM server and the devices, ensuring data privacy and integrity. Restrictions (option B) are policies enforced by MDM but are not prerequisites for its operation. Enrollment profiles (option C) are necessary to link devices to MDM, as discussed in Question 1, but they do not specifically address the APNs and SSL requirements. Apple’s documentation, such as theMDM Protocol Reference, explicitly states that certificates are essential for APNs and SSL functionality in MDM deployments.

Apple’s Automated Device Enrollment supports aminimum OS requirementsetting in MDM. If a device attempts enrollment but does not meet this OS version, Setup Assistant automatically pauses and prompts the device to update. The update is applied immediately, and once complete, the device continues enrollment and resumes Setup Assistant from where it left off. Apple Learning emphasizes this ensures that devices are compliant from the start, reducing post-enrollment remediation. Users cannot bypass or defer the update. This workflow helps organizations maintain consistency across fleets, ensuring all devices meet baseline security and app compatibility requirements before proceeding.

Content token expiration disrupts app sync. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "If the content token expires, app licenses won’t sync to the MDM solution until it’s renewed." Option B affects notifications, not apps.

To establish a secure trust relationship betweenApple Business Manager (ABM)and anMDM solution, Apple requires the use ofserver tokens. The process begins in the MDM console, where an administrator downloads apublic keygenerated by the MDM. This public key is then uploaded into ABM or ASM. Apple signs the key and provides aserver token, which is then downloaded from ABM and uploaded back into the MDM solution. The server token authorizes the MDM to sync and manage purchased apps, books, and device assignments. Apple Learning stresses that the public key is the only element required from the MDM during this process. Private keys remain within the MDM, and content tokens are unrelated to this operation. This ensures both security and proper license synchronization.

The Secure Enclave validates biometric data. TheApple Platform Security Guidestates, "The Secure Enclave processes and validates data from Face ID and Touch ID sensors, ensuring secure authentication."

In Kerberos, the Ticket-Granting Ticket (TGT) is the feature that enables single sign-on (SSO). After initial authentication, the user receives a TGT from the Key Distribution Center (KDC). The TGT is then used to obtain service tickets for accessing various resources without re-authenticating, providing a seamless SSO experience. Sign in with Apple at Work & School (option A) is an Apple-specific feature, not a Kerberos component. OAuth (option B) and SAML (option D) are separate SSO protocols, not Kerberos features. TheApple Platform Security Guideexplains the TGT’s role in Kerberos SSO.

Cryptographic separation isolates managed and personal data. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Account-driven User Enrollment and Account-driven Device Enrollment provide cryptographic separation by isolating managed data (tied to a Managed Apple ID) from personal data (tied to a personal Apple ID)." A creates a managed container, and B extends this to device-level management. Options C, D, and E lack this separation.

To deploy custom apps (e.g., in-house apps developed for an organization), an Apple Developer account is required to create and sign the app using an Enterprise Developer Program or standard Developer Program account. Once signed, the app can be distributed via MDM using Managed Distribution, but the account is the prerequisite for app creation. Managed Distribution (option B) facilitates deployment but assumes the app exists, requiring the developer account first. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for installation on non-supervised devices but isn’t the core requirement. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies the need for an Apple Developer account for custom apps.

Shared iPad requires an MDM solution to configure and manage the feature, enabling multiple users to log in with Managed Apple IDs or temporary sessions. The MDM applies the necessary profiles and integrates with Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. Apple Configurator (option B) can supervise devices but isn’t required for Shared iPad setup. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as it’s an administrative deployment. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates MDM for Shared iPad.

User Enrollment separates managed data. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "With User Enrollment, managed data such as Notes associated with a Managed Apple ID is separated from personal data." Options A, B, and D aren’t inherently separated unless tied to managed apps.

Administrator and People Manager roles can add Locations. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Users with the Administrator or People Manager roles have permissions to add and manage Locations in Apple Business Manager." Option D’s “Location Manager” isn’t a standard role.

Apple differentiates betweenUser Enrollment(for BYOD) andDevice Enrollment(for organization-owned devices). For personal devices enrolled throughUser Enrollment, MDM has limited capabilities to protect privacy. Apple Learning emphasizes that MDM cannot track personal location data, cannot wipe the entire device, and cannot disable user features like Activation Lock. However, MDM retains control over organizational data and canenforce a device passcode requirement. This ensures that managed apps and accounts are protected by encryption at rest. If the user removes the passcode, the device will become non-compliant, and organizational data may be removed. This limited but critical control balances enterprise security with personal user privacy.

SSO extensions support modern protocols. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Single sign-on (SSO) extensions allow IdPs to integrate modern authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS." Options B, C, and D (corrected from "WireGuar") are networking technologies, not authentication-focused.

Apple introducedAuto Advancefor macOS as a way to completely automate Setup Assistant. When a Mac is connected to Ethernet and assigned to an MDM server through Automated Device Enrollment, Auto Advance skips every Setup Assistant pane, including language, region, Apple ID, and account creation. Apple Learning explains that this feature is particularly useful for enterprise deployments, labs, or shared environments where IT does not want users making configuration choices. Auto Advance ensures the Mac enrolls into MDM, applies configuration profiles, and lands directly on the desktop with minimal interaction. Options like Quick Setup or Fast Track are not actual Apple deployment features, while Return to Service is related to iOS/iPadOS redeployment workflows, not Mac. Auto Advance is the verified method to bypass all Setup Assistant panes seamlessly.

Content caching on a Mac improves network performance by storing frequently accessed content (e.g., app updates, iCloud data) locally, reducing internet bandwidth usage and speeding up downloads for connected devices. It doesn’t enhance security (option A), separate data (option C, a User Enrollment feature), or simplify enrollment (option D, an ADE benefit). TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes bandwidth optimization as the primary benefit of content caching.

Bypass codes are stored in MDM for organization-linked Activation Lock. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Bypass codes for organization-linked Activation Lock are stored in the MDM solution, allowing administrators to unlock devices without user credentials."

Apple emphasizes that modern MDM solutions must be extensible, and the primary way this is achieved is through arobust Application Programming Interface (API). APIs allow administrators and developers to automate device actions, integrate with existing IT service management systems (like ServiceNow), or build custom workflows. For example, an organization can script automated assignment of devices, license tracking, or compliance reporting. While Automated Device Enrollment and MDM frameworks provide device management capabilities, they are not the integration points for custom automation. GSX integration is used by resellers and service providers, not directly for IT automation. Therefore, APIs are the feature that enable deep integration with internal enterprise systems and advanced automation.

Apple documents that devices prioritizepreferred networksfirst — these are networks the user or MDM has explicitly joined and saved. If no preferred networks are available, devices then attempt to joinprivate networks(those that do not broadcast public hotspots but are available locally). Finally, as a last resort, devices may joinpublic networks, such as captive Wi-Fi portals or unsecured hotspots. Apple Learning highlights this hierarchy to ensure consistent enterprise behavior and user experience. Administrators can influence priority through MDM-delivered Wi-Fi payloads, placing organizational SSIDs at the top of the preferred list. Public networks are deliberately last in the sequence because they are less secure and more likely to involve captive portals, which disrupt automatic connectivity.

WPA2 Enterprise networks utilize individual user credentials (e.g., username and password) or device- and/or user-based certificates for authentication, typically via protocols like EAP-TLS or PEAP, integrated with a RADIUS server. This provides granular control over network access, ideal for organizational settings. A provisioning network (option A) is a temporary network for device setup, not a security standard. WPA2 Personal (option B) uses a shared passphrase, lacking individual authentication. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies WPA2 Enterprise for secure, user-specific network access in managed environments.

Apple Configurator is a macOS application requiring a Mac computer to run, used for supervising and configuring iOS/iPadOS/tvOS devices via USB. An MDM solution (option A) can complement it but isn’t required. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as it’s an administrative tool. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide specifies a Mac as the platform for Apple Configurator.

Configuration profiles enhance device security by allowing IT administrators to enforce policies such as passcode requirements, app restrictions, and encryption settings. Deployed via MDM or manually, they ensure devices meet organizational security standards. Network performance (option B) is improved by content caching, not profiles. Data separation (option C) is a User Enrollment feature. Simplified enrollment (option D) aligns with ADE. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes security as a primary benefit of configuration profiles.

Configuration profiles, deployed via MDM or manually, allow IT administrators to restrict apps on a device by setting policies such as blocking the App Store, preventing app removal, or allowing only specific apps (e.g., via an allow list). These profiles are highly customizable for security and compliance. Activation Lock (option A) secures device reactivation, not app restrictions. Find My (option C) and iCloud (option D) are user-focused features without app restriction capabilities. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails configuration profiles’ role in app management.

Licenses can only transfer within an organization. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Licenses can be transferred between locations, but both the sending and receiving locations must belong to the same organization in Apple Business Manager." Option D is false as licenses must be unassigned first.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) requires Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) to register devices purchased from Apple or authorized resellers. These portals link devices to an MDM solution for automatic enrollment and supervision during setup. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for app development, not ADE. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed, as ADE is automatic. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates ABM/ASM for ADE.

Apple devices come with built-in security features, such as data encryption, Secure Enclave, and passcode enforcement, which MDM solutions leverage to secure devices. These features allow MDM to enforce policies like requiring a passcode, enabling encryption, or remotely wiping a device if lost. Location Services (option A) provides geolocation data but is not a core security capability used by MDM for securing devices. Enrollment profiles (option B) are the mechanism to connect a device to MDM, not a capability that secures the device itself. TheApple Platform Security Guidehighlights how MDM utilizes these built-in features to enhance device security, making option C the correct choice.

Managed Distributionis Apple’s licensing model for apps and books in Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager. Apple documentation emphasizes that Managed Distribution gives organizations flexibility — licenses can berevoked from one user or device and reassigned to another. This allows organizations to maximize their investment, especially for paid apps, by reallocating licenses as staff or students change. Unlike legacy redemption codes, which permanently attach to an Apple ID, Managed Distribution licenses remain organizational assets. Apps can be assigned to either devices or users, and books can be assigned to both as well. A Managed Apple Account is not mandatory for device-based assignment. Therefore, the critical and correct principle is that Managed Distribution supports revocation and reassignment, giving IT administrators ongoing control over licensed content.

The public key generates the server token. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "To generate a server token for ADE, download the public key from your MDM solution and upload it to Apple Business Manager." Option C is never shared, and B and D serve different purposes.

Remote wipe preserves eSIM. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "The EraseDevice command with the preserveDataPlan option allows MDM to keep the eSIM active during a wipe, aiding redeployment."

User Enrollment, designed for BYOD, requires a Managed Apple ID to separate personal and managed data cryptographically. Created via Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), Managed Apple IDs enable organizational policies while preserving user privacy. Personal Apple IDs (options A and C, the same) are not used for User Enrollment, as they lack organizational control. There’s no “Shared Apple ID” (option D); Shared iPad uses Managed Apple IDs differently. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates Managed Apple IDs for User Enrollment.

The personally enabled, organization-owned model allows organizations to assign devices to individual users while permitting those users to personalize their devices with personal apps and data. This model balances organizational control with user flexibility, often used in one-to-one deployments. BYOD, organization-owned (option A) is a contradictory term; BYOD implies user-owned devices, not organization-owned. Nonpersonalized, organization-owned (option B) devices are typically locked down for shared or specific use, with no personalization allowed. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedescribes the personally enabled model as supporting user customization under MDM management, making C the correct answer.

Declarative Device Management (DDM) reports changes proactively. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "Declarative Device Management enables devices to report state changes to MDM without polling, improving efficiency."

Apple Configurator, a macOS application, supports configuring and supervising iPads, iPhones, and other iOS/iPadOS devices, as well as Apple TVs (tvOS). It runs on a Mac, which acts as the host, but the question refers to devices it can manage, not the host platform. Options A and B are correct, and while C (Mac) isn’t typically configured by Apple Configurator, the tool’s broad compatibility with Apple devices makes D the best answer. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideconfirms its use across these device types.

System+User Mode supports pre- and post-login connectivity. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "System+User Mode for 802.1X allows a Mac to connect to Wi-Fi using system credentials before login and switches to user credentials after login, ensuring network access at all stages." Option B is not a standard term, C requires login first, and D uses only system credentials.

Apple’sApps and Bookssection in ABM allows organizations to purchase licenses and assign them to locations. Apple Learning confirms that when licenses are transferred from one location to another, thetotal license count remains unchanged. The licenses are simply reallocated within the organization. They cannot be transferred if already assigned to devices or users — those must first be unassigned. Apple does not require approval for transfers between internal locations, as the entire pool remains within the same ABM account. Additionally, macOS installation has no relation to license transfers. The primary purpose of this feature is organizational flexibility, enabling licenses to be moved between campuses, schools, or departments as needs change, without altering the overall purchased quantity.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) provides the most control over organization-owned devices by integrating them with an MDM solution during initial setup, without user intervention. Devices enrolled via ADE are automatically supervised, allowing restrictions like mandatory MDM enrollment and advanced policies. Device Enrollment (option B) offers control but requires manual profile installation and doesn’t inherently supervise devices unless paired with supervision tools. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD, offering less control to protect user privacy. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidepositions ADE as the most robust option for organization-owned devices.

Apple’sApps and Booksprogram within Apple Business Manager (ABM) allows organizations to purchase apps and books in volume. A critical benefit is the ability totransfer licenses between locationswithin the same ABM account. Apple Learning specifies that this feature enables schools, campuses, or departments to redistribute app licenses as organizational needs evolve, without changing the overall license count. Content is not automatically assigned to user accounts; admins choose device- or user-based assignment. Both free and paid apps are available, so there is no restriction to free content. Additionally, purchasing can be delegated to roles such as Content Managers, not just administrators. The ability to move licenses across locations makes management flexible and cost-efficient, while maintaining organizational ownership of the content.

Content is cached on the tethered Mac. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "When provisioning tethered iPad devices using Apple Configurator, content is cached on the Mac they are connected to, speeding up the process."

Shared iPad, a feature for multi-user environments like education or business, requires devices to be supervised and enrolled via Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) through Apple School Manager (ASM) or Apple Business Manager (ABM). ADE ensures the device is pre-configured with an MDM solution that supports Shared iPad settings, such as user session management with Managed Apple IDs. Device Enrollment (option B) can supervise devices but isn’t optimized for Shared iPad’s automatic setup. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD and doesn’t support Shared iPad, which is for organization-owned devices. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies ADE for Shared iPad deployment.

Apple usescontent tokens (also referred to as server tokens)to link Apple Business Manager (ABM) with MDM solutions for license distribution. Apple Learning explains that these tokens are time-bound and eventually expire, requiring administrators to renew them from ABM and upload the updated token to the MDM. When the token expires, synchronization between ABM and the MDM breaks, causing newly purchased apps and books to stop appearing in the MDM console. The APNs token, while also expiring annually, only affects push notifications, not app license syncing. The creation of new locations or password changes do not invalidate purchased app syncs unless tied directly to the token. The most common and documented reason for this issue is an expiredcontent/server token, which must be refreshed.

For organizations to distribute apps and books purchased throughApple Business Manager (ABM)orApple School Manager (ASM), thecontent token(also called a server token) must be uploaded into theMDM solution. Apple documentation explains that the token authorizes the MDM to sync licenses and distribute them to devices or users. The token is first generated and downloaded from ABM/ASM, then installed into the MDM. Uploading the token anywhere else (such as an IdP or Kerberos server) would not link app licensing to MDM. Once uploaded, licenses purchased in ABM appear automatically in the MDM portal for assignment. This workflow ensures apps remain organizational assets and can be reassigned as needed.

Supervision provides enhanced management capabilities on iPhones and iPads, such as enabling Managed Lost Mode or enforcing restrictions. Apple Learning materials are clear that the only enrollment method that automatically enables supervision for iOS and iPadOS devices isAutomated Device Enrollment (ADE)through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager. Account-driven and User Enrollment methods focus on user-based or BYOD scenarios and do not grant supervision. Profile-driven enrollment, once used in older iOS versions, no longer provides supervision in modern deployments. ADE ensures devices are flagged as organization-owned during initial setup, activating the supervised state automatically. This distinction is crucial because many advanced management and security features require supervision and cannot be applied to devices enrolled through BYOD workflows.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage location settings on a device, such as enabling/disabling Location Services, restricting app access to location data, or enforcing privacy settings. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) uses location for tracking but isn’t a management tool. iCloud (option C) is unrelated to location management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide details location control via profiles.

Managed Lost Modeallows administrators to remotely lock supervised iPhones and iPads, displaying a custom message and tracking the device’s location. Apple Learning makes clear thatsupervision is requiredfor this capability. Without supervision, MDM cannot invoke Lost Mode, as it involves overriding user control and enabling location reporting without user consent. This requirement ensures that only organization-owned, supervised devices can be placed into Managed Lost Mode. Location Services, while relevant for tracking, do not need to be user-enabled because supervision grants MDM the authority to temporarily override. Managed Apple Accounts and Find My are not prerequisites for this feature.

macOS Server features (e.g., Profile Manager, file sharing) are supported on Mac computers running macOS. While macOS Server as a standalone app was discontinued after macOS 10.13, its features were integrated into macOS itself starting with 10.14 (Mojave) and later. iPads (option A), iPhones (option B), and Apple Watches (option D) don’t support macOS Server functionality, as they run different operating systems. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies macOS requirements for these features.

AirDrop works with Shared iPad. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "Shared iPad supports features like AirDrop that don’t require a single user’s Apple ID, unlike Continuity features such as Universal Control or Sidecar."

In Apple School Manager (ASM), the Administrator role is required to purchase books through the Apps and Books section, as it has permissions to manage financial transactions and content acquisition. Other roles, like Content Manager, can distribute but not purchase. An Apple Developer account (option B) is for apps, not books. A Managed Apple ID (option C) is for users, not purchasing. User acceptance (option D) is irrelevant. The Apple School Manager User Guide confirms the Administrator’s purchasing authority.

To unenroll a device from an MDM solution, an administrator’s approval is typically required, especially for supervised or organization-owned devices. This involves removing the MDM profile from the device via the MDM server, which may also require removing the device from Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager if enrolled via ADE. The device’s passcode (option B) isn’t required for unenrollment. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed for administrator-initiated unenrollment, though users might remove profiles manually on unsupervised devices if permitted. A wipe command (option D) isn’t necessary unless unenrollment includes data removal. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideoutlines this process.

To ensure Apple devices can access APNs and other Apple services (e.g., App Store, iCloud), network configurations must allow outbound traffic to Apple’s network, specifically the 17.0.0.0/8 IP block on TCP port 5223 (with 443 as a fallback). This requires adjusting firewalls or web proxies to permit this traffic, as many organizational networks restrict outbound connections. VPN access (option A) is unnecessary and impractical for all devices. SSO payloads (option B) manage authentication, not network access to Apple services. Bonjour (option D) is for local device discovery, not APNs connectivity. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideprovides these network requirements.

Setting up Shared iPad requires an MDM solution to configure the feature, assign Managed Apple IDs, and manage user sessions. The MDM applies a configuration profile specifying Shared iPad settings (e.g., temporary session mode or user-specific logins) and integrates with Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager. Apple Configurator (option B) can supervise devices but isn’t required for Shared iPad setup. User Enrollment (option C) is for BYOD, not shared devices. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates MDM for Shared iPad deployment.

Apple Configurator for Mac resolves boot issues. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "If an iPad is stuck on the Apple logo, connect it to a Mac running Apple Configurator to perform a full restore." Option A doesn’t exist, and B and C don’t address this issue directly.

Post-deadline, updates install automatically. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "If a user defers a managed software update past the MDM-enforced deadline, macOS will automatically install it to ensure compliance."

A key feature to consider in an MDM solution is its ability to integrate with an organization’s existing identity provider (IdP) or directory service (e.g., Active Directory, Azure AD, or Google Workspace). This ensures seamless user authentication, leveraging single sign-on (SSO) and existing credentials, which enhances security and user experience. Support for future OS versions (option B) is important for compatibility but not specifically an authentication feature. Support for BYOD (option C) is a deployment consideration, not an authentication feature. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights IdP integration as critical for authentication in MDM deployments.

Deploying macOS configuration profiles to devices requires an MDM solution, which pushes the profiles remotely via APNs to enrolled devices, ensuring centralized management. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for app development, not profile deployment. User acceptance (option C) is needed for manual installation but not for MDM deployment, especially on supervised devices. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies MDM as the standard method for deploying profiles to macOS devices.

Configuration profiles enable IT administrators to manage VPN settings on a device, specifying details like server address, protocol (e.g., IKEv2, L2TP), and authentication methods (e.g., certificates, credentials). These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring secure network access. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to VPN management. MDM (option D) is the system that delivers profiles, but the profiles themselves contain the VPN settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails VPN configuration via profiles.

Managed Distribution requires Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) to purchase and assign apps, books, or custom content to users or devices, which are then deployed via MDM. An Apple Developer account (option A) is for custom app creation, not distribution management. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for non-supervised devices but isn’t a requirement for the feature itself. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Business Manager User Guidemandates ABM/ASM for Managed Distribution.

Apple’smanaged software updatesallow MDM administrators to enforce deadlines for macOS upgrades or patches. Apple Learning specifies that if the user does not manually install the update before the deadline, theupdate installs automatically. This occurs regardless of user activity, ensuring the Mac is brought into compliance. Users may receive reminders before the deadline, but once the deadline passes, the update is forced to install. This guarantees that security patches or new OS versions are not indefinitely delayed by end-user inaction. Notifications are not suppressed, and there is no 30-day deferral once a deadline is in effect. The entire purpose of this mechanism is to ensure organizations can enforce timely compliance with critical security or functional updates.