Written on 03. Feb 2018, 08:56
As with all iOS x.3 (i. e. 9.3, 10.3) updates, Apple addresses mainly enterprise users. This time, Apple integrated a new useful functionality that will make IT departments feel relieved: on devices with iOS 11.3 there is a possibility to delay system updates for up to 90 days. The release of iOS 11.3 is expected for Spring 2018.
Supervised only. This restriction allows the admin to set how many days a software update on the device will be delayed. With this restriction in place, the user will not see a software update until the specified number of days after the software update release date. The max is 90 days and the default value is 30. Availability: Available only in iOS 11.3 and later and macOS 10.13.4 and later.Therefore it is possible on Supervised devices (no matter if activated using Device Enrollment Program or manually via Apple Configurator) to prevent the update for an specified period between 1 and 90 days. Previous approaches, for instance blocking the connection to the Apple update servers using a proxy, seem to be obsolete from now. The setting can be deployed on the devices using a compatible mobile device management system.
What is the content of this blog, you may ask? My name is Julian Joswig and I am a big fan of IT and technology (mainly Linux, servers, networks and all related topics). Sometimes I almost bite my teeth on difficult issues. But if I have found a solution, I want to share it with the world. Professionally, I work as a management consultant in Germany with a focus on IT and business.