What This MDM Update Means for You

• No more factory resets — move Apple devices between MDMs without wiping them
• Easier Intune integration — Apple’s new tools make it seamless
• Data stays intact — apps, settings, and preferences carry over
• Huge win for IT — saves time, reduces errors, and boosts security
• One platform for all — manage Apple and Windows devices together using Intune

Apple’s new MDM migration tools in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 allow IT teams to switch device management systems without wiping data or resetting devices. This changes everything for cross-platform enterprise management—especially for teams using Microsoft Intune. In this guide, we’ll explain how it works, how to set it up, and why it matters for future-proofing your Apple device deployments.

Introduction

Moving Apple devices between MDMs used to be a nightmare—wipes, re-enrollments, downtime. But not anymore. For IT teams managing hundreds or thousands of endpoints, this wasn’t just inconvenient. It was costly, slow, and disruptive.

That’s finally changed.

With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, Apple now supports native MDM migration—no factory reset required. Devices can move from one MDM to another without losing apps, data, or user settings. It’s built directly into Apple Business Manager and designed to make large-scale transitions easier, faster, and far less risky.

This also means tighter and more effective integration with Microsoft Intune, which many organizations already rely on for managing Windows and cross-platform devices. Now, IT can handle Apple and non-Apple endpoints with far less complexity.

If you’re responsible for endpoint management, device security, or workplace IT operations, this blog is for you.

Every recommendation here is backed by deep research, practical testing, and hard-won experience across industries.

Here’s what’s new—and how to use it to your advantage.

1.   Why This Blog Matters

Managing devices across platforms is complex enough. Add in outdated Apple migration processes, and you’ve got a mess that drains time, disrupts workflows, and increases the risk of data loss.

Before now, moving Apple devices from one MDM to another meant wiping them. It broke continuity, annoyed users, and slowed everything down. That old way doesn’t make sense in modern hybrid workplaces.

Apple’s latest updates eliminate that bottleneck. Devices enrolled through Apple Business Manager can now be migrated between MDMs with user data intact and zero touch from IT after the initial setup.

Microsoft Intune stands to benefit the most from this change. With deeper integration and automated management capabilities, it now offers a truly unified solution for managing Apple and Windows devices side by side.

This blog exists to help IT teams transition smoothly into this new era—one where Hybrid Workplace Management, Cross-Platform Device Management, and User Data Preservation aren’t just buzzwords but real, achievable standards.

2.   What You’ll Learn in This Guide

Here’s what we’ll break down:

• How Apple’s iOS 26 MDM Migration feature works, and what makes it different from past methods
• Step-by-step integration of Apple Business Manager with Microsoft Intune
• How to choose the Best MDM for Apple Devices, and what criteria actually matter
• How to maintain enterprise-grade security and compliance during a device transition
• Proven Device Lifecycle Management practices for scaling and managing Apple hardware in any environment
• Zero-Touch Enrollment strategies that simplify onboarding for new devices—no manual setup required

3.   Understanding Apple’s Revolutionary MDM Migration Feature

Apple’s new Mobile Device Management migration capability, introduced as part of their Apple Software Updates in version 26, fundamentally transforms how IT Administration teams approach Device Management Software transitions. This innovative Endpoint Security Solutions enhancement is integrated directly into Apple Business Manager, leveraging advanced Device

Management Automation to ensure smooth transitions between different Enterprise Device Management platforms.

3.1  Technical Architecture and Requirements

The Apple Device Enrollment migration process requires devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS 26 or later, with current enrollment in an existing Mobile Device Management solution.

Organizations must establish proper Intune Integration through Apple Business Manager configuration, including the essential MDM Push Certificate setup for secure communication between platforms.

Key Technical Requirements:

3.2   Migration Workflow Overview

The Apple MDM Migration process encompasses three critical phases designed to maintain IT Security Protocols while ensuring User Data Preservation:

Phase 1: Pre-Migration Preparation

• Comprehensive Device Lifecycle Management assessment and documentation
• Apple Business Manager Intune configuration and MDM Push Certificate setup
• Cloud-Based Device Management policy replication and testing

Phase 2: Migration Execution

• Start automatic device setup through Apple Business Manager
• User notification and approval workflows with Device Compliance enforcement
• Use Intune dashboards to monitor progress

Phase 3: Post-Migration Verification

• Endpoint Security Solutions validation and Device Compliance confirmation
• IT Infrastructure Solutions performance assessment
• Optimize deployment and gather user feedback

4.   Why Apple’s MDM Migration Matters for Enterprise Organizations

Traditional Apple Device Management migrations have historically presented significant challenges for IT Administration teams managing Hybrid Workplace Management environments. Legacy Device Management Solutions required disruptive procedures, including complete factory resets, time-consuming manual Device Enrollment processes, and complex workflows that frequently compromised User Data Preservation and operational continuity.

4.1  Addressing Traditional Migration Challenges

Apple’s innovative Mobile Device Management framework eliminates these obstacles, enabling IT teams to move devices over to Intune easily while maintaining Apple Ecosystem Management integrity. This advancement directly supports modern Enterprise Mobility Management requirements where operational efficiency and user experience are paramount.

Key Organizational Benefits:

• Seamless Apple Device Enrollment Process: Effortless transitions to Microsoft Intune through Device Management Automation
• Complete User Data Preservation: Elimination of factory resets and manual Device Enrollment requirements
• Enhanced Security Checks: Streamlined operations with consistent Device Compliance enforcement

Apple’s iOS 26 MDM update simplifies Mobile Device Management migration, enabling seamless transitions to Microsoft Intune without resets, benefiting IT Administration teams with improved Enterprise Device Management efficiency.

5.   How Microsoft Intune Benefits from Apple’s Enhanced Integration

Microsoft Intune has long been a go-to solution for managing Windows, Android, and Linux devices. Now, thanks to Apple’s WWDC 2025 updates and its tighter integration with Apple Business Manager, managing Apple hardware is easier and more seamless than ever.

By connecting Apple’s enrollment system with Microsoft’s endpoint management tools, IT teams can now onboard and manage Apple devices without resetting them—keeping data, apps, and settings right where they are.

5.1 Why This Integration Matters for IT Teams

Easier Migrations Without the Hassle

Move Apple devices into Intune without full resets. The new automated setup process cuts transition time from weeks to days—no cables, no manual steps, and no lost data.

One Dashboard for Everything

Admins can now manage Apple, Windows, and other devices from a single platform. This unified view simplifies workflows, reduces tool switching, and makes training new IT staff faster.

Built-In Security Across Devices

With both platforms working together, it’s easier to enforce company-wide security standards. You get strong compliance controls, better visibility, and support for Zero Trust strategies right out of the box.

Lower Costs, Less Complexity

No more juggling multiple MDM systems. With Intune as the core device management platform, IT teams can reduce overhead, cut out redundancy, and spend more time focusing on strategic work.

6.   Comprehensive Step-by-Step Migration Implementation Guide

Based on Microsoft Intune best practices and Apple Business Manager integration guidelines, this detailed implementation framework ensures successful Apple MDM Migration outcomes.

6.1   Phase 1: Pre-Migration Preparation and Assessment

Thorough preparation forms the foundation of successful Enterprise Device Management migration outcomes and prevents costly IT Infrastructure disruptions.

Step 6.1.1: Current Mobile Device Management Configuration Documentation

• Record all existing Device Management Software settings, IT Security Protocols, and device profiles
• Catalog deployed applications and their Device Enrollment distribution methods
• Document network configurations, including Wi-Fi profiles and VPN settings, through Apple Business Manager
• Note Device Compliance policies and Endpoint Security Solutions requirements

Step 6.1.2: Microsoft Intune Environment Configuration

• Configure MDM Push Certificate in the Microsoft Intune admin center for Apple Device Management
• Establish secure Apple Business Manager Intune connection for Zero-Touch Enrollment
• Create corresponding IT Security Protocols and Device Compliance policies in the Cloud- Based Device Management platform

Step 6.1.3: Device Management Automation Testing Implementation

• Select diverse device groups for comprehensive Apple Device Enrollment testing
• Verify all Enterprise Mobility Management configurations transfer correctly
• Validate User Data Preservation and Device Lifecycle Management functionality

6.2   Phase 2: Migration Execution and User Management

The Apple MDM Migration implementation phase requires careful orchestration through Apple Business Manager with structured IT Administration oversight.

Step 6.2.1: Apple Business Manager Migration Initiation

• Access the Apple Business Manager interface and navigate to the Device Management Solutions section
• Select target devices or device groups for Microsoft Intune migration
• Configure appropriate Automated Device Enrollment deadlines with user communication strategies

Step 6.2.2: Device Enrollment Approval Workfiow Management

• Notify users automatically when it’s time to switch
• Configure non-dismissible Device Compliance prompts for missed deadlines
• Monitor Apple Device Management progress using Microsoft Intune and Apple Business Manager dashboards

Step 6.2.3: Enterprise Device Management Process Oversight

• Track iOS 26 MDM migration progress through Cloud-Based Device Management dashboards
• Provide immediate IT Administration support for migration failures
• Maintain Hybrid Workplace Management communication throughout Device Management Automation process

6.3   Phase 3: Post-Migration Verification and Optimization

A final check ensures everything migrated correctly—and that your device management setup runs smoothly across teams.

Step 6.3.1: Device Compliance and confirm device security is properly enforced

• Make sure all devices meet your Intune security policies
• Check that certificates are properly installed and that Apple’s system stays connected
• Run your key business apps to confirm everything’s

Step 6.3.2: User Data Preservation and Experience Validation

• Verify user preferences and personal configurations remain intact after Apple Device Enrollment
• Monitor Device Lifecycle Management performance and battery optimization
• Track and resolve Mobile Device Management user-reported issues through IT Infrastructure Solutions

Step 6.3.3: Cross-Platform Management Feedback Collection

• Gather user satisfaction surveys about the Apple MDM Migration experience
• Review Device Management Automation completion rates and timeline metrics
• Capture lessons learned for future Apple MDM rollouts

7.  Migration Process Overview and Best Practices

7.1  Enterprise Mobility Management Process Summary

Best Device Management Solutions Implementation Practices

Strategic IT Infrastructure Solutions Planning

• Develop comprehensive Apple Device Management migration plans with clear Device Management Automation timelines
• Document all existing Enterprise Device Management settings and create Cross- Platform Management templates
• Identify potential Mobile Device Management risks and develop IT Security Protocols contingency plans

Effective Hybrid Workplace Management User Engagement

• Communicate Apple MDM Migration processes clearly through Microsoft Enterprise Tools
• Provide advance notice and establish firm Device Enrollment deadlines
• Offer dedicated IT Administration support resources during iOS 26 MDM migration periods

Device Management Automation Leverage Optimization

• Utilize Apple Business Manager automated workflows to reduce manual Mobile Device Management tasks
• Implement batch Apple Device Enrollment strategies to manage Enterprise Mobility Management workload
• Create standardized Device Compliance configuration templates for consistent Cloud- Based Device Management deployment

8.   Real-World Enterprise Device Management Applications

Consider a mid-sized organization with 500 Apple devices currently managed through legacy Device Management Solutions.

Previously, switching to Microsoft Intune would have required:

• Complete device wipes and Mobile Device Management application reinstallation
• Extensive Device Enrollment reconfiguration and User Data Preservation loss
• Several weeks of disrupted Hybrid Workplace Management productivity
• Significant IT Administration overhead and potential Apple Ecosystem Management data loss
• Apple Business Manager Intune Migration Transformation

With Apple’s new Device Management Automation feature, the same organization can achieve:

Accelerated Cross-Platform Management Timeline

• Complete Apple MDM Migration in organized batches within one week through Zero- Touch Enrollment
• Maintain all user settings and applications and keep user data intact
• Manage both Apple and Windows devices under one roof using Intune

Enhanced IT Security Protocols Implementation

• Implement consistent Device Compliance policies across all Best MDM for Apple Devices platforms
• Boost endpoint security by keeping all device usage and health in one place
• Get better visibility into your systems with cloud-based monitoring tools

8.2   Healthcare Enterprise Device Management Case Study

A healthcare organization with strict compliance requirements utilized Apple Business Manager migration to achieve:

• Improved Device Compliance Standards: Consistent IT Security Protocols enforcement across Apple and Android Mobile Device Management environments
• Reduced IT Administration Overhead: 30% decrease in Device Management Software operational costs
• Enhanced Endpoint Security Solutions Reporting: Streamlined audit processes through Microsoft Intune centralized monitoring

9.   Addressing Common Apple Device Management Challenges

While Apple’s iOS 26 MDM feature significantly simplifies Mobile Device Management migration, organizations may encounter specific Enterprise Mobility Management challenges:

• Device Enrollment User Resistance Solutions
  • Challenge: Users may delay approving Apple Device Enrollment migration prompts
  • Solution: Implement comprehensive IT Administration communication strategies and utilize non-disruptive Device Compliance prompts
  • Prevention: Provide thorough Apple Business Manager user education and dedicated Device Management Automation support resources

9.2  Cross-Platform Management Configuration Errors

• Challenge: Misconfigured security settings can cause Apple devices to act up
• Solution: Review your MDM documentation and run full tests using Apple’s auto- enrollment
• Prevention: Run a small pilot using Intune to catch problems early

9.3   Device Lifecycle Management Legacy Device Limitations

• Challenge: Devices not running iOS 26 MDM versions are ineligible for Apple MDM Migration
• Solution: Update devices to the latest Apple Software Updates before initiating Device Management Automation
• Prevention: Include OS update planning in Mobile Device Management preparation phases

10.    Strategic Impact for IT Infrastructure Solutions Organizations

Apple’s Apple WWDC 2025 Updates Mobile Device Management migration feature represents more than a technical improvement—it’s a strategic enabler for modern IT Administration organizations seeking the Best Device Management Solutions.

10.1   Achieving Comprehensive Enterprise Mobility Management

Organizations can finally realize unified Cross-Platform Management goals by managing all devices through Microsoft Intune regardless of platform. This Cloud-Based Device Management approach reduces IT Infrastructure Solutions complexity while improving Device Compliance efficiency and enabling better Endpoint Security Solutions oversight.

10.2   Device Management Software Total Cost Optimization

Eliminating multiple Mobile Device Management solutions and reducing Apple Business Manager Intune migration complexity directly impacts operational costs. Organizations can redirect IT Administration resources from maintaining parallel Device Management Solutions to strategic Enterprise Device Management initiatives.

10.3   IT Security Protocols Enhancement

Consistent Device Compliance policy enforcement across all device types improves your overall device security across the board. Organizations can implement Zero Trust frameworks more effectively when all devices operate under unified Microsoft Enterprise Tools management and Device Lifecycle Management monitoring.

11.    Conclusion

Apple’s introduction of streamlined Apple MDM Migration capabilities through iOS 26 MDM, iPadOS, and macOS 26 represents a significant advancement in Enterprise Mobility Management. For Microsoft Intune, this Apple WWDC 2025 Updates development removes traditional Mobile Device Management barriers and positions the platform as the Best MDM for Apple Devices solution for organizations managing Hybrid Workplace Management environments.

The combination of Apple’s user-friendly Device Management Automation migration process and Microsoft Intune’s comprehensive Cross-Platform Management capabilities creates unprecedented opportunities for IT Infrastructure Solutions organizations. With Apple and Intune working hand in hand, IT teams can manage all devices in one place, keep data safe, and run operations more smoothly—without wiping devices or starting from scratch.

For IT Administration professionals considering this Apple Device Management migration, success requires thorough Device Management Solutions planning, comprehensive Zero-Touch Enrollment testing, and clear Device Enrollment communication throughout the Apple Ecosystem Management process. With proper Cloud-Based Device Management preparation and execution, organizations can leverage Device Lifecycle Management capabilities to transform their Mobile Device Management operations while maintaining the Endpoint Security Solutions and user experience standards that modern businesses require.