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

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage email settings on a device, preconfiguring accounts with details like server addresses, ports, and authentication (e.g., OAuth, certificates). These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring consistent email access. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to email management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails email configuration via profiles.

A Wi-Fi profile aids Return to Service. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "When preparing a device for Return to Service, you can optionally include a Wi-Fi profile to ensure automatic network connection post-erase."

On Macs with Apple silicon and T2 security chips, Apple requiresvolume ownershipto perform major macOS upgrades and certain system-level changes. Volume ownership is granted during setup to the first account created, and it provides the secure entitlement to authorize system updates, OS reinstalls, and recovery options. Apple Learning materials emphasize that administrator rights alone are insufficient; a user may be an admin without volume ownership and still be blocked from upgrading. The bootstrap token is relevant to FileVault and SecureToken provisioning, but not directly tied to OS upgrades. Managed Apple Accounts also do not control OS upgrades unless combined with MDM restrictions. This requirement ensures that only authorized users with secure entitlements can modify or upgrade macOS, protecting device integrity and reducing unauthorized system alterations.

Supervision, applied via Apple Configurator or ADE, enables additional restrictions on devices, such as blocking app removal, enforcing single-app mode, or managing Activation Lock, providing greater control for organizations. Personalization (option A) is more limited under supervision. Network performance (option C) is unrelated, and data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights supervision’s enhanced management capabilities.

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.

If iPhones are stuck at the Apple logo, they are likely in a failed update or recovery loop. Apple’s recommended action is to connect the devices toApple Configurator for Macand restore them. Configurator provides the fastest and most reliable way to reinstall iOS or iPadOS when a device cannot boot. MDM commands like “Erase All Content and Settings” or “Return to Service” require the device to be functional and reachable, which is not the case here. Configurator for iPhone supports adding devices to ABM/ASM but does not restore OS images. Thus, Configurator for Mac is the correct choice.

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.

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.

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.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage cellular settings on iOS/iPadOS devices, such as configuring APN settings, disabling data roaming, or restricting cellular data for specific apps. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to cellular management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles contain the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails cellular configuration via profiles.

InApple Business Manager, devices must be assigned to an MDM server before Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) will trigger. Apple Learning notes that if devices, such as iPhones, are added but left without adefault MDM server assignment, they will not prompt for enrollment during setup. Macs may already have been assigned properly, which explains why they enroll as expected. Wrong locations or approval queues do not exist in ABM for ADE devices, and while a device reset is required to trigger ADE, the absence of a server assignment is the root issue here. Once the devices are assigned to the correct MDM server, users will see the ADE flow during setup. This is a common misstep in large deployments.

Apple requires the use ofApple Configurator for iPhoneto manually add Macs into Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager. The workflow involves placing the target Mac into Device Enrollment mode and then scanning an on-screen image with the Configurator app running on an iPhone. Once completed, the Mac is added to the organization’s ABM account with a 30-day provisional period. Apple Configurator for Mac, while useful for restoring and preparing iOS/iPadOS devices, does not support manually adding Macs to ABM. System Settings and Xcode are unrelated to device enrollment workflows. This method is Apple’s prescribed approach for organizations acquiring Macs outside normal reseller channels.

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.

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.

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."

TheLock commandin MDM allows administrators to remotely lock a Mac and require asix-digit PINfor reactivation. Apple documentation specifies this command is particularly useful for securing a device temporarily, such as when it is lost, stolen, or during incident response. Unlike Managed Lost Mode (which applies only to iOS/iPadOS devices), this Mac-specific command forces the device into a locked state. When the device restarts, it presents a PIN entry screen before the user can proceed. Activation Lock, on the other hand, prevents reactivation with a different Apple ID, not a six-digit PIN entry. EraseDevice would wipe the Mac entirely, not prompt for a PIN. Thus, the reported behavior directly aligns with the Lock a Mac command.

Apple’sContent Cachingservice is powerful for bandwidth optimization, but unmanaged deployments can cause inefficiencies if every user enables caching on their Mac. Apple Learning recommends controlling this centrally. The best strategy is to use anMDM restriction to prevent content caching from being turned on for every user’s managed Mac, ensuring only designated caching servers (such as Mac mini or lab servers) perform this role. This prevents network fragmentation where multiple unmanaged caches might compete or misdirect traffic. AssetCacheManagerUtil can preload content but does not scale efficiently. Authenticated content caching is for restricting access, not optimizing traffic. Preventing user-enabled caching maintains centralized control, ensuring caching infrastructure is efficient, secure, and optimized across the organization’s subnets.

Apple providesSingle Sign-On (SSO) extensionsas the modern method for integrating iOS, iPadOS, and macOS with identity providers. These extensions support standards such as OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect, enabling secure and seamless authentication across enterprise apps. Apple Learning materials emphasize that SSO extensions replace legacy solutions like Kerberos plug-ins, providing developers and IT admins with a consistent way to federate identity. Unlike Enrollment SSO, which is used only during enrollment, the broader SSO extensions function across apps and system services. This enables enterprises to deliver a unified authentication experience, reducing password prompts and ensuring security compliance.

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.

Activations store values. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "Declarative Device Management uses Activations declarations to store values on a device, enabling proactive state management."

Configuration profiles enable device customization by allowing IT administrators to define settings (e.g., Wi-Fi, VPN, security policies) tailored to organizational needs, deployed via MDM or manually. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, often restricted by profiles. Network performance (option C) is unrelated, and data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideemphasizes customization as a key benefit of profiles.

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."

Configuration profiles enable IT administrators to manage passcode settings on a device, enforcing policies such as minimum length, complexity (e.g., alphanumeric), maximum age, and failed attempt limits. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring security compliance. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are user-focused features unrelated to passcode management. MDM (option D) is the system that delivers profiles, but the profiles themselves define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails passcode policy enforcement via configuration profiles.

Administrator and People Manager roles manage federation but use local ABM/ASM credentials. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Administrators and People Managers can configure and manage the federation process in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, but their accounts remain local and cannot sign in using federated authentication." Options C, D, and E lack these permissions or are not relevant roles for federation management.

When FileVault is enabled, the encryption of the disk is tied to either user credentials or recovery keys. Apple documentation explains that thePersonal Recovery Key (PRK)is unique to each device and can be escrowed to the MDM solution. If a user forgets their password, the IT admin retrieves the PRK from the MDM and provides it to the user. In macOS Recovery, the PRK can then be used to unlock the disk and reset the account password. Institutional recovery keys exist for organizations but require certificate infrastructure and are less common in MDM workflows.

TheSetRecoveryLockcommand locks the Recovery partition, restricting access to Startup Security Utility. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "The SetRecoveryLock command sets a password for the Recovery partition, restricting access to Startup Security Utility and other recovery options unless the password is provided." Option B sets a firmware password but not specifically for this utility, and C and D are invalid.

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.

Federated Authentication allows administrators to link Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager with identity providers like Google Workspace or Azure AD, streamlining Managed Apple ID creation by syncing user data (e.g., names, emails). Users can then sign in with their existing credentials, leveraging SSO. MSCHAPv2 (option A) is a VPN authentication protocol, not related to ID creation. Active Directory (option C) is an IdP but not the feature itself. SAML (option D) is a protocol used in federation, but “Federated Authentication” is the broader Apple feature. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails this process.

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.

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.

For new devices purchased from an Apple Authorized Reseller or carrier to automatically appear in Apple Business Manager or School Manager, the reseller must be linked to your organization. Apple states that this is done by providing the reseller with yourOrganization IDand entering theirReseller Numberin ABM/ASM. Once the reseller’s number is configured, devices purchased from that reseller automatically populate into ABM for assignment to MDM. Customer Numbers are used when buying directly from Apple, not from resellers. Purchase orders or Org IDs alone will not ensure devices sync. The Reseller Number is the required element here.

An enrollment profile establishes MDM control. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "An enrollment profile must be installed on a device to establish a connection with the MDM solution, enabling management." Options A, B, and D are unrelated to basic MDM enrollment.

Managed Apple IDs are created by organizations via Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager to provide employees or students with accounts that separate personal and work/school data. Unlike personal Apple IDs (options A and C, which are the same), Managed Apple IDs are controlled by the organization, restricting certain features (e.g., iCloud backups) to maintain data separation. Shared Apple IDs (option D) don’t exist as a formal type; Shared iPad uses temporary sessions, not IDs. TheApple Platform Deployment Guiderecommends Managed Apple IDs for organizational use.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) enables device and content management by providing a portal to enroll devices via ADE, purchase and distribute apps/books through Managed Distribution, and manage user accounts. This centralizes organizational control over Apple deployments. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, not an ABM benefit. Network performance (option C) is enhanced by content caching, not ABM. Data separation (option D) is a User Enrollment feature. TheApple Business Manager User Guidehighlights device and content management as ABM’s core benefit.

Content caching on a Mac running macOS 10.13 or later can cache multiple types of content: apps (from the App Store), OS updates (for macOS, iOS, iPadOS), and iCloud data (e.g., documents, photos). This reduces bandwidth usage by storing content locally for networked devices. Options A, B, and C are all correct individually, but D encompasses them all, aligning with the capabilities outlined in theApple Platform Deployment Guide.

Activation Lock prevents reuse. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "Activation Lock, manageable via MDM, prevents a lost or stolen Mac from being reactivated without the owner’s credentials." Option C is iOS-specific.

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.

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.

Managed Distribution, available through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), is required to push apps to devices using an MDM solution. It allows administrators to assign app licenses (purchased or free) to devices or users, which the MDM then deploys silently, assuming the device is supervised or the user consents. An APNs certificate (option A) enables MDM communication but isn’t specific to app pushing. User acceptance (option C) may be needed for non-supervised devices but isn’t a requirement for supervised ones. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Business Manager User Guidedetails Managed Distribution’s role in app deployment.

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.

Preserving eSIM speeds redeployment. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "When erasing a supervised iPad, the preserveDataPlan option retains the existing eSIM, avoiding reactivation delays."

Content caching requires a Mac running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later, enabling it to cache content like app updates and iCloud data for network efficiency. An MDM solution (option A) can manage caching settings but isn’t required to enable it. Supervision (option C) is unrelated, as caching is a macOS feature, not a supervision requirement. A VPN configuration (option D) doesn’t apply. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies the macOS version requirement for content caching.

When Activation Lock is enabled on a supervised Apple device, the organization needs a way to recover the device if a user leaves or forgets credentials. Apple Learning states that MDM can escrow and store abypass codefor Activation Lock. This code can then be used by IT administrators to unlock and reactivate the device without needing the original Apple ID. It is not stored in ABM/ASM, nor tied to the user’s Managed Apple Account or personal Apple ID. Instead, it resides in the organization’s MDM solution for controlled use. This ensures organizations can always return supervised devices to service while still maintaining theft deterrence against unauthorized users.

Thebootstrap tokenis a mechanism introduced by Apple to help MDM solutions automatically grant SecureToken to managed accounts. Apple specifies that escrow of a bootstrap token requires the device to besupervised. Without supervision, MDM cannot request or store the bootstrap token. This token becomes critical when enabling FileVault, since new accounts may need SecureToken for disk unlock. By escrowing the bootstrap token, MDM ensures accounts created later (e.g., through identity integration or Jamf Connect) can automatically receive SecureToken. This simplifies administration and prevents situations where FileVault cannot be enabled due to missing tokens.

Devices wait for a threshold drop. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidestates, "Apple devices use a roaming trigger threshold; they won’t switch to a closer access point until the current signal falls below this level."

Configuration profiles enable IT administrators to manage Wi-Fi settings on a device, such as preconfiguring network SSIDs, passwords, and security protocols (e.g., WPA2 Enterprise). These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually, ensuring devices connect to approved networks. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to Wi-Fi management. MDM (option D) is the delivery mechanism, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails Wi-Fi configuration via profiles.

In Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), admins can configure Setup Assistant toskip local account creation. Apple Learning explains that when this pane is skipped, the Mac will not prompt the user to create a local administrator account during setup. Instead, the Mac expects the user to authenticate with anetwork account(such as one tied to LDAP or Active Directory) or have an account provisioned later through another method (for example, an identity tool like Jamf Connect). This option is often used in environments where accounts are centrally managed, reducing local variability and enforcing directory-based access. The setup process does not fail, and users are not forced to erase their device. Instead, account creation is deferred or redirected, depending on the organization’s chosen identity integration.

In Apple Business Manager (ABM), books are assigned to users with Managed Apple Accounts, not directly to devices. This allows users to access books across multiple devices linked to their account. TheApple Business Manager User Guidestates, "Books can be assigned to users with Managed Apple Accounts. Once assigned, users can access these books on any device where they’re signed in with their Managed Apple Account." Options A, B, and D are incorrect because assignment is user-centric, not device-specific, though Macs can access books via the user’s account.

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.

Apple’s MDM architecture only allowsone enrollment profileper managed device. Apple Learning makes clear that a device can be managed by only one MDM server at a time. This enrollment profile defines the server connection, authentication, and management relationship. Attempting to install another enrollment profile overwrites the existing one, ensuring there is no conflict or dual management. While devices may have multiple configuration profiles for settings, restrictions, or certificates, the enrollment profile itself is unique. This ensures clear accountability and prevents devices from being subject to conflicting MDM commands. Options suggesting two or three enrollment profiles, or unlimited enrollment, do not align with Apple’s management model.

Apple Configurator supervises iPads for advanced management. TheApple Configurator User Guidestates, "Apple Configurator can supervise iPad devices, allowing you to apply restrictions and prepare them for MDM enrollment when connected via USB to a Mac." Options B, C, and D are incorrect as Configurator doesn’t handle biometric backups, remote control, or offline OS updates.

Kerberos is the most widely deployed authentication technology used by both Active Directory (AD) and single sign-on (SSO) systems in enterprise environments. It provides secure, ticket-based authentication, allowing users to access multiple services with a single set of credentials. AD relies on Kerberos as its default protocol, and Apple’s SSO integration with AD leverages Kerberos for seamless authentication on macOS and iOS. MSCHAPv2 (option B) is used in VPNs, not broadly in AD or SSO. OAuth (option C) and SAML (option D) are modern web-based standards, less common in traditional AD-SSO integration. TheApple Platform Security Guideconfirms Kerberos’ prevalence.

Configuration profiles allow IT administrators to manage Bluetooth settings, such as disabling Bluetooth entirely or restricting pairing with specific devices, enhancing security and compliance. These profiles are deployed via MDM or manually. Find My (option B) and iCloud (option C) are unrelated to Bluetooth management. MDM (option D) delivers profiles, but the profiles define the settings. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails Bluetooth configuration via profiles.

Supervised devices give administrators additional control, especially during redeployment. Apple’s MDM framework includes the option to preserve theeSIMcellular data plan when sending an erase command. This is done through thePreserveDataPlankey as part of the MDM wipe command. Apple stresses that while user data, apps, and passcodes are always removed during a managed erase, the data plan can be explicitly retained to avoid disruption. This functionality is especially valuable for organizations with carrier-managed iPads, reducing operational friction when reissuing devices. No other data types—apps, passcodes, or settings—are preserved during this process.

Apple’s MDM framework allows organizations to take ownership of apps that users may have installed manually. This process is calledconverting unmanaged apps to managed. When an administrator deploys the same app via MDM to a supervised device, Apple documentation specifies that the system silently converts the app to a managed state. No user interaction is required, and the existing app data remains intact. This avoids disruption while still giving the organization control over the app, including the ability to configure settings, update it, or remove it remotely. Options like requiring user approval or uninstalling the app are not part of the standard workflow; Apple designed the feature to ensure seamless transition for end users while granting IT management authority.

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), used with Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), supports Activation Lock management by allowing administrators to enable, disable, or bypass Activation Lock on supervised devices via MDM. This is critical for organization-owned devices to ensure they can be reactivated after a wipe without user Apple IDs. Device Enrollment (option B) can manage Activation Lock if the device is supervised, but it’s not inherent without ADE. User Enrollment (option C) doesn’t support full Activation Lock management, as it’s for BYOD with limited control. The Apple Platform Deployment Guide ties Activation Lock management to ADE.

Custom apps, developed in-house and signed with an Apple Developer account, can be deployed through all three enrollment types: Automated Device Enrollment (ADE), Device Enrollment, and User Enrollment. ADE (option A) supports custom app distribution to supervised, organization-owned devices via MDM and Managed Distribution. Device Enrollment (option B) allows custom app installation on enrolled devices, supervised or not, through MDM. User Enrollment (option C) supports custom apps for BYOD, though with limited control over personal devices. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideconfirms that custom apps are compatible with all enrollment methods when paired with MDM, making D the correct answer.

The personal recovery key, generated when FileVault is enabled, must be escrowed in MDM to allow password resets on an encrypted Mac. ThemacOS Security Overviewstates, "For MDM-managed devices, the personal recovery key can be escrowed to enable password resets or disk unlocking by an administrator." Option B is an older method, C is an authentication credential not escrowed for this purpose, and D is for updates, not password resets.

Skipping the pane leaves Location Services off but adjustable. TheiOS Deployment Referencestates, "When the Location Services pane is skipped in Setup Assistant, it remains off by default, but users can enable it in Settings unless restricted by MDM." Option A reflects this flexibility.

Lost Mode is an MDM feature that allows administrators to lock a supervised device remotely, display a custom message, and track its location (if enabled). It requires an MDM solution to issue the command via APNs, and the device must be supervised. Find My (option B) enables user-initiated Lost Mode but isn’t required for MDM’s version. iCloud (option C) isn’t a prerequisite, though it’s often enabled. A passcode (option D) enhances security but isn’t required to activate Lost Mode. TheMDM Protocol Referenceconfirms MDM’s role in Lost Mode for supervised devices.

The proxy server URL is mandatory. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "For automatic proxy configuration in the Global HTTP Proxy payload, the proxy server URL must be specified to point to the PAC file."

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."

On FileVault-enabled Macs, disk encryption ties directly to the user password. If the password is lost, recovery relies on keys. Apple supports two key models: thepersonal recovery key (PRK)and the institutional recovery key (IRK). The PRK is unique per device and can be escrowed securely to an MDM solution. In the event of a forgotten password, the IT administrator can retrieve the PRK from MDM and provide it to the user for unlocking the Mac. Apple strongly recommends escrow of PRKs in enterprise deployments to ensure encrypted Macs remain recoverable without requiring device erasure.

Apple Push Notification service (APNs) is a critical service that Apple devices rely on for real-time notifications. Functions requiring continuous APNs access include notifications for operating-system and app updates, MDM policy enforcement (e.g., remote commands), and incoming messages (e.g., iMessage). These depend on APNs to push data to devices over ports 5223 or 443. Options A (Bonjour, caching, sharing), B (SSO, VPN, roaming), and D (tracking, backups, suggestions) involve other mechanisms like local networking or iCloud, not continuous APNs access. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidedetails APNs’ role in these functions.

Apple Learning highlights that onlyAutomated Device Enrollment (ADE)ensures a device remains persistently managed and supervised, preventing users from manually removing the MDM profile. When ADE is configured in Apple Business Manager, the MDM profile can be marked asnon-removable, ensuring the device always checks in with MDM. This is crucial for organization-owned devices where IT must guarantee compliance and enforce policies. Account-driven and profile-driven enrollments are user-initiated, and the user can choose to remove management at any time. User Enrollment, by design, prioritizes privacy for BYOD and always allows unenrollment. Therefore, ADE is the enrollment type required when the organization needs strong, enforced management and non-removable MDM profiles.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) provides IT administrators with the capability to remotely wipe a device, either fully (factory reset) or selectively (removing managed data), via commands sent over APNs. This is a core MDM feature for security and compliance. Activation Lock (option A) prevents unauthorized reactivation after a wipe but doesn’t perform the wipe. Find My (option B) allows users to wipe their own devices, not administrators. iCloud (option D) supports personal wipes via Find My, not organizational ones. TheMDM Protocol Referenceconfirms MDM’s remote wipe functionality.

Apple defines strict roles and permissions for tasks in Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM). Federated Authentication requires elevated privileges, as it links your Apple deployment to an identity provider such as Microsoft Entra ID. According to Apple’s learning guides, only the roles ofAdministrator and People Managercan enable and configure federated authentication. Other roles such as Content Manager or Device Enrollment Manager have no authority to make federation-level changes. This restriction ensures only trusted admins with organizational oversight can integrate Apple IDs with external identity systems, minimizing security risk and maintaining compliance.

User Enrollment, designed for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios, separates personal and managed data on a device using a cryptographic boundary. This ensures organizational policies (e.g., managed apps, email) are isolated from personal content (e.g., photos, personal apps), protecting user privacy while allowing management. Additional restrictions (option A) are a supervision feature, not User Enrollment. App license management (option B) is tied to Managed Distribution, not enrollment type. Simplified setup (option D) aligns with ADE, not User Enrollment. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights data separation as User Enrollment’s key benefit.

Supervision requires Apple Configurator (via USB connection) or Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM). These methods apply a supervision identity to the device, enabling advanced management features. An MDM solution (option A) manages supervised devices but isn’t the tool for applying supervision. User acceptance (option C) isn’t required, as supervision is an administrative action. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies these tools for supervision.

Apple Business Manager (ABM) uses a device’s serial number to identify devices purchased from Apple or an authorized reseller for enrollment in Automated Device Enrollment (ADE). Serial numbers are unique to each device and linked to purchase records, allowing ABM to verify eligibility. Order numbers (option A) track purchases but aren’t device-specific identifiers in ABM. UDID (option C) and UUID (option D) are unique identifiers for devices or instances, but they’re not used for purchase verification in ABM. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideconfirms serial numbers as the key identifier in ABM.

Apple introducedUser Enrollmentto support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios. In bothAccount-driven User EnrollmentandAutomated User Enrollment, data separation is cryptographically enforced between organizational and personal data. Apple Learning emphasizes that apps like Calendar, Contacts, Notes, and Mail can store both personal and work accounts, but the data is kept in separate containers that cannot interact. For example, an organization’s managed calendar events cannot be copied into a user’s personal calendar. This guarantees user privacy while protecting organizational data. Automated Device Enrollment, by contrast, fully manages the device and does not enforce the same cryptographic separation. Profile-driven User Enrollment is deprecated in favor of account-driven. The key principle here is thatUser Enrollment modes create strong boundaries between personal and managed data.

Apple School Manager (ASM) enables educational content management by allowing administrators to purchase and distribute apps, books, and other resources to students and staff via Managed Distribution. It’s tailored for schools, integrating with MDM and Shared iPad. Personalization (option A) is user-driven, not an ASM benefit. Data separation (option C) is a User Enrollment feature. Simplified setup (option D) is a byproduct of ADE, not ASM’s primary focus. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidehighlights content management as ASM’s key benefit.

Find My requires an Apple ID (personal or Managed) to enable device tracking, remote locking, or wiping via iCloud. It’s a user-initiated feature activated in device settings, not dependent on organizational tools. An MDM solution (option A) can manage Find My settings but isn’t required to use it. Supervision (option C) enhances management but isn’t necessary for Find My. A VPN configuration (option D) is unrelated. TheApple Platform Security Guidespecifies an Apple ID as the prerequisite for Find My.

“Only Shared Content” caches updates. ThemacOS Deployment Referencestates, "Selecting ‘Only Shared Content’ in the Cache menu ensures the content caching server caches software and app updates, excluding iCloud data." Option D isn’t a real setting.

Shared iPad requires Managed Apple IDs, created via Apple School Manager (ASM) or Apple Business Manager (ABM), to enable multiple users to log in with separate sessions. These IDs are organization-controlled and integrate with MDM for session management. Personal Apple IDs (options A and C, the same) are for individual use and incompatible with Shared iPad. There’s no “Shared Apple ID” (option D); Shared iPad uses individual Managed Apple IDs or temporary sessions. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidemandates Managed Apple IDs for Shared iPad.

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 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.