Why is Apple DEP and VPP migrating to ASM and ABM ?
To unify IT, Apple merged VPP and DEP into ABM/ASM, streamlining app licensing and device deployment.
Get fresh insights, pro tips, and thought starters–only the best of posts for you.
Aurelia Clark
Dec 5, 2025
22 min read
If your organization uses iPhones or iPads at scale, you need a way to manage them that doesn’t involve chasing down devices one by one. That’s where iOS MDM comes in.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) for iOS is all about setting up, securing, and managing Apple devices remotely – so IT teams can push apps, apply restrictions, enforce security policies, and wipe or lock a device when needed. It’s a core enabler for any Apple deployment in business, schools, healthcare, or frontline teams.
And in 2025, Apple’s enterprise presence continues to grow. Globally, there are now over 1.56 billion active iPhone users, a significant increase from just 1.46 billion in 2024, underscoring Apple’s rapid expansion in both consumer and enterprise environments. With the iPhone’s deep integration into business, education, and frontline workflows, effective management is no longer optional, it’s essential.
But scaling Apple isn’t just about handing out devices, it’s about controlling them without slowing down your teams. That’s why picking the right MDM makes all the difference.
So, let’s break down the 10 best iOS MDM solutions of 2025, what they do well, where they fall short, how much they cost, and where the space is headed next. Whether you’re managing ten devices or ten thousand, this guide will help you pick the right fit.
Not all iOS MDMs are created equal and the last thing you want is to lock yourself into a tool that doesn’t scale with your needs. Here are the core capabilities that matter most when choosing an iOS MDM in 2025:
Your MDM should support integration with Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) for streamlined, zero-touch provisioning. Using Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), you can pre-configure devices to auto-enroll into the MDM, skip setup screens, and apply supervision and configurations right out of the box — no manual steps required.
Look for native support for Apple’s Apps and Books (formerly VPP). This lets you license, silently install, and manage App Store and custom B2B apps at scale. You should also be able to configure app permissions, push web clips, and enforce app restrictions on managed devices without needing Apple IDs.
At a minimum, your MDM should offer:
These controls are crucial for regulated industries (finance, healthcare, education) and BYOD environments.
Supervised mode unlocks deeper control over iOS devices. It should let you:
These restrictions are essential when deploying shared or single-purpose devices.
Kiosk use cases are common in retail, healthcare, and logistics. Ensure the MDM supports single-app mode (lock to one app) and autonomous single-app mode (for apps that can trigger lockdown themselves), along with multi-app mode to allow controlled workflows.
*Supervision is required for these features.
You’ll want access to real-time data like device location, battery status, OS version, and last check-in time. Critical actions such as remote lock, wipe, reboot, app install, and config profile updates should be instant and reliable — especially in distributed teams.
Your MDM should scale with your organization. Look for:
There’s no shortage of MDM tools on the market — but not all of them are built to handle Apple devices the way you need them to. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the top 10 iOS MDM solutions in 2025 — each evaluated for its strengths, limitations, iOS-specific capabilities, and overall value.
Let’s start from the top:
Hexnode is a multi-platform UEM that strikes a strong balance between affordability, scalability, and deep Apple ecosystem support. It’s especially popular with enterprise IT teams looking for reliable iOS/macOS management without overpaying for features they won’t use.
In fact, Hexnode was recently named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide UEM Software for Apple Devices 2024 Vendor Assessment and recognized in the 2025 Gartner® Market Guide for Endpoint Management Tools — reinforcing its relevance in the Apple management space. The platform also maintains a SOC 2 Type 2 certification, underscoring its commitment to enterprise-grade security and trust.
Hexnode focuses on delivering the most critical iOS management features without overcomplicating workflows. While it doesn’t go as deep into native telemetry or automated remediation as some high-end Apple-exclusive tools, that also means less complexity and faster adoption for teams that value streamlined control over niche features.
Hexnode remains one of the most affordable iOS MDM options on the market, with plans starting at around $1 to $3 per device per month, depending on feature tier. It offers flexible licensing, transparent pricing, and a free trial — making it a great fit for SMBs and scaling enterprises alike.
Explore how Hexnode streamlines iPhone and iPad management with powerful deployment, security, and compliance capabilities for modern enterprises.
Download the datasheetJamf Pro is the industry’s specialized Apple device management platform, long preferred by large enterprises and educational institutions for its deep, native integration with Apple’s ecosystem (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS). Designed for Apple-first IT teams, Jamf Pro delivers granular control over Apple’s configuration and security frameworks. While Jamf has recently extended its platform to include cross-platform security and zero-trust identity (covering Android and Windows), its core MDM capabilities remain Apple-focused. The platform’s enterprise-grade depth also means higher complexity and technical overhead compared to newer cloud-native tools.
For Business:
For Education (K–12):
Iru is the evolved successor to Kandji – transforming from an Apple-only MDM into an AI-powered IT and Security platform. It now combines unified endpoint management, identity, and threat protection across Apple, Windows, and Android. With its AI-driven Iru Context Model, the platform delivers real-time intelligence for compliance, security posture, and Zero Trust enforcement, making it ideal for enterprises operating in tightly regulated industries.
Addigy is a cloud-based MDM solution built exclusively for Apple devices, with a strong presence in the MSP (Managed Service Provider) space. It offers flexible multi-tenant management, real-time device visibility, and scripting capabilities — making it a powerful option for IT professionals managing multiple Apple environments. While Addigy delivers on control and depth, it’s clearly geared more toward admins than general end users.
Addigy uses a quote-based pricing model, with rates varying by deployment size and whether you’re an MSP or enterprise/EDU customer. A 14-day free trial is available.
*Actual costs may vary based on features, term length, and onboarding scope.
Miradore is a freemium MDM solution that supports iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. With a clean UI, quick deployment, and an always-available free tier, it’s a strong entry-level option for small businesses, schools, or MSPs just getting started with device management. While easy to adopt, it lacks the advanced controls offered by full-scale UEM platforms.
Mosyle offers affordable Apple-only MDM plans for both business and education use cases:
Education (K-12):
Mosyle is a cloud-native, Apple-exclusive MDM platform designed for cost-conscious organizations seeking secure and automated device management. With offerings tailored for both business and education sectors, it bundles MDM, endpoint security, and identity-based automation into one lightweight platform. It’s especially favored by schools and SMBs managing Apple-only fleets.
SureMDM is a cross-platform UEM solution supporting iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and IoT. It’s popular for its broad device coverage, making it a flexible choice for enterprises managing diverse fleets. While iOS support is solid, the platform is built with a generalist approach — and that shows in Apple-specific workflows.
SureMDM offers three cloud-based plans with flexible billing and no minimum device requirement:
Add-ons:
Scalefusion is a user-friendly, cross-platform MDM solution built for organizations managing a diverse fleet across iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Known for its intuitive setup and frontline device focus, it’s a strong fit for SMBs needing kiosk management, remote support, and compliance tools. While iOS support is solid, Apple-specific depth is still catching up with more mature vendors.
Scalefusion’s pricing is transparent, SMB-friendly, and volume-based:
Quotes vary based on volume, platform mix, and required modules. Free trial available.
SOTI MobiControl is an enterprise-grade UEM platform with a strong emphasis on rugged device management across industries like logistics, retail, and field services. With extensive lifecycle controls and a robust analytics engine, it caters to large organizations looking for end-to-end visibility and policy enforcement across iOS and other platforms.
SOTI MobiControl uses a quote-based per-device model, with pricing varying by volume, deployment type (Cloud vs. On-Prem), and support tier.
A free trial is available on request. Minimum license and commitment periods may apply
SimpleMDM is an Apple-centric MDM solution focused on simplicity, transparency, and full support for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS. It’s often chosen by organizations that want robust Apple management without the complexity of enterprise-tier MDMs.
| Solution | Apple Ecosystem Support | iOS Feature Depth | Ease of Use | Ideal For |
| Hexnode | ABM, ADE, Apps & Books, Kiosk | Cross-platform, strong iOS/macOS support | User-friendly | SMBs, Scaling Enterprises |
| Jamf Pro | Full Apple-first stack (ABM, ASM, ADE, DDM, Self Service) | Deepest Apple integration | Steep learning curve | Education, Large Apple-only organizations |
| Kandji | ABM, ADE, DDM, Auto-Remediation | Prebuilt compliance, zero-day iOS support | Technical onboarding | Regulated Apple-first organizations |
| Addigy | ABM, ADE, DDM, Real-time scripting | Advanced features but admin-heavy | MSP-focused UI | MSPs, Apple IT pros |
| Miradore | ABM, ADE, Restrictions, Wipe | Basic feature set | Clean UI, fast deployment | Startups, Schools |
| Mosyle | ABM, ADE, Web Filtering, Security | Apple-only, includes endpoint security | Easy for SMBs | K-12, Apple SMBs |
| SureMDM | ABM, ADE, Remote Actions | Solid generalist control | Outdated UI | Enterprises with mixed devices |
| Scalefusion | ABM, ADE, Remote Cast, Kiosk | Frontline and kiosk-focused | Intuitive, but scales hard | Retail, Logistics |
| SOTI MobiControl | ABM, ADE, Lifecycle Insights | Rugged fleet + compliance support | Complex setup | Field Services, Logistics |
| SimpleMDM | ABM, ASM, ADE, BYOD support | Full iOS feature coverage, strong automation via API | Intuitive, lightweight interface | SMBs, Apple-only environments |
As Apple devices become more deeply embedded in enterprise and education environments, the way we manage them is rapidly evolving. Here’s what’s shaping the future of iOS device management in 2025 and beyond:
Apple is moving away from the traditional command-and-response model of MDM toward a more modern, declarative approach. With Declarative Device Management (DDM), devices can proactively enforce configurations and report status without waiting for the MDM server to send commands. This reduces latency, improves scalability, and enables real-time compliance — especially critical in large, distributed fleets.
DDM is already supported across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS, and Apple continues to expand its capabilities with each release. MDM providers that fail to adopt DDM will soon be left behind.
As MDM grows more complex, AI and machine learning are becoming essential for managing scale. Expect to see AI-powered automation that:
Vendors are also integrating AI chatbots into admin portals and support workflows, reducing the burden on IT while improving end-user experience.
With rising cyber threats and hybrid work models, Zero Trust security is vital. iOS MDMs are increasingly integrating with identity platforms like Okta, Azure AD, and Ping Identity to enforce:
The future is identity-first and MDMs that enable dynamic trust evaluation at the device level will lead the pack.
Apple continues to invest in making its management ecosystem seamless and secure. Expect tighter coupling between:
These changes aim to give organizations more control with less friction, but they also demand that MDMs stay nimble and closely aligned with Apple’s rapid updates.
Choosing the right iOS MDM depends on your organization’s size, device mix, and management goals. Here’s what to keep in mind:
If you’re managing only Apple devices, Apple-exclusive solutions like Jamf, Kandji, or Mosyle offer deep integration. For mixed environments (Windows, Android, etc.), cross-platform tools like Hexnode, or SureMDM may be a better fit.
Smaller teams may prefer platforms with intuitive UIs and guided onboarding. Larger orgs or MSPs can leverage advanced automation, compliance, and scripting.
Need zero-touch deployment, real-time compliance, or automated remediation? Prioritize vendors that support Declarative Device Management (DDM) and offer pre-built compliance workflows.
Pricing varies from $0 (freemium) to $7+ per device/month depending on features. Look for volume discounts, bundled security, and education/non-profit pricing if applicable.
Most vendors offer free trials or demo portals. Always test usability, policy controls, and support responsiveness before committing.
Choosing the right iOS MDM isn’t just about checking feature boxes — it’s about aligning with your organization’s unique priorities. Whether you’re focused on zero-touch deployment, regulatory compliance, remote support, or managing a mixed-device environment, each platform in this list brings something different to the table.
Apple-first tools like Jamf and Kandji offer deep native integrations and automation. Hexnode and SureMDM provide a more balanced, cross-platform approach that works well for businesses managing diverse device fleets. For schools and smaller teams, Mosyle and Miradore offer lightweight options with generous free tiers and simplified interfaces.
There’s no one-size-fits-all — but there is a right-fit. The best MDM for you will balance usability, control, cost, and support in a way that meets your team where it is today, while growing with you tomorrow.
Simplify iOS management with seamless deployment, security, and control — all from one dashboard.
SIGNUP NOW!