What is Apple Configurator – Why businesses should opt for MDM instead of Apple Configurator?

What is Apple Configurator?

Apple Configurator is a macOS app that enables fast, easy device deployment. Succeeding the old iPhone Configuration Utility, it lets you prepare, assign, and supervise Apple devices via physical USB hubs.

USB hubs. Apple Configurator coupled with Device Enrollment Program (DEP) automates MDM enrollment and Volume Purchase Program (VPP) to seamlessly manage iOS devices.

Apple Configurator allows the administrator to create profiles or configurations such as password policy, restrictions, Wi-Fi, VPN, and so on. IT administrators add these profiles to a template device called a Blueprint, which they can then push to target devices. Remember, you must physically connect your device to a Mac via USB to perform any action.

How does Apple Configurator benefit businesses?

Apple Configurator lets you supervise iOS 11+ devices and add them to DEP. This unlocks advanced controls like silent app installation, web filtering, and single-app modes. You can easily install configuration profiles, update software, and export device data. The tool even supports Blueprints to apply these settings with a single click. Available globally on Mac, it deploys devices faster than standard DEP.

Is Apple Configurator noteworthy?

Apple Configurator works best for organizations deploying a small number of devices. However, Apple Configurator falls short for large organizations needing a hands-off approach for massive device fleets. Apple Configurator can manage and control only a maximum of 30 devices at a single time. Updating software, configuring profiles, and managing apps via Apple Configurator strictly requires a physical USB connection to a Mac. This means IT administrators must connect the device to the Mac via USB hubs every time they update or reconfigure it.

Furthermore, Apple Configurator may not suit your organization if employees use personal devices (BYOD). Connecting a device for the first time wipes it completely before Apple Configurator applies any settings. This process will permanently erase all personal data and content on your devices.

MDM over Apple Configurator

Apple Configurator does not provide a practical solution for bulk deployment of iOS devices. Third-party Mobile Device Management (MDM) software can provide hassle-free solutions to seamlessly manage large number of devices. MDM solutions like Hexnode effortlessly manage enterprise mobility through feature-rich capabilities and a hands-off approach.

Unlike Apple Configurator’s reliance on wired setups, these software packages manage device configurations over-the-air. Furthermore, they empower IT administrators to perform remote actions—such as locking, wiping, and location tracking—that tethered alternatives cannot execute. With MDM, admins can install, configure, secure, update, or remove apps, whereas Apple Configurator only supports app installation. Additionally, MDM can restrict a device to a dedicated kiosk mode, displaying only a pre-approved set of apps for users to access.

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Why Hexnode?

Hexnode is a powerful and emerging mobility management solution to manage devices, apps and content from a centralized platform us

ing remote, wireless and batch operations. It allows bulk enrollment of iOS devices without involving any physical connection between the devices. Hexnode’s BYOD integration made it possible to manage personal devices without compromising the privacy of personal data and content. A wide range of monitoring and reporting features for auditing can be enabled using Hexnode which is not available when devices are managed using Apple Configurator. Hexnode helps to ensure whether the devices meet the company policies or not and take immediate remedial actions for non-compliant devices.

Apple Configurator is best suited for organizations such as schools and small businesses where the total

number of iOS devices to be deployed is small. However, Apple Configurator as a standalone creates a burden on the IT administrators since a physical connection through USB hubs is mandatory for every configuration that is to be pushed to the device. An MDM software such as Hexnode with its feature rich functionality and hands-off approach offers comprehensive solutions over-the-air for efficient management of iOS devices.