.Keeping with the trend of mid-cycle updates, Apple’s releases of OS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 bring some new enterprise-focused features that make managing Apple devices even easier – especially around Apple Intelligence.Here’s a breakdown of what’s new for IT teams with iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2.
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Key updates in iOS 18.2 Apple continues to slightly refine the enterprise management for IT teams with updates some nice updates Here are the highlights for iOS IT admins: Apple Intelligence Integrations: Device management tools can now manage and control aspects of external Apple intelligence features, including restricting Image Playgrounds.As Apple focuses on Apple Intelligence, it’s great to see quick additions for IT.Safari Multi-Factor Authentication Enhancements: Safari’s multi-factor authentication now interesting word choice from Apple) accepts hardware security key PINs.
This improvement improves the user experience while maintaining robust security for employees if you’re using this use case.Default Browser Management: Device management tools can now enforce a default browser and prevent users from modifying it.Whether your organization relies on Safari or another browser, this ensures consistency across your fleet.
Streamlined Enrollment with Apple Configurator: New skip keys have been introduced to Apple Configurator (still a great app, even with zero-touch enrollment), allowing automated enrollments to be completed without manual intervention.This change can lower setup time for IT teams managing large-scale deployments.Improved Account-Driven Enrollment: Service discovery in account-driven enrollment can now pull resources from an alternative location specified by your device management solution linked to Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager.
Key updates in macOS Sonoma 15.2 The enterprise updates in macOS Sonoma 15.2 mirror some of the advancements in iOS 18.2 while adding macOS-specific options: Apple Intelligence and Image Playgrounds Management: Like iOS 18.2, device management systems can control Apple Intelligence integrations and restrict image generation in Image Playgrounds.Enhanced AirPlay Payload Management: AirPlay device management payloads now support passwords with the DeviceName string for tvOS 18 and the DeviceID string for older versions.This ensures backward compatibility while supporting the latest Apple hardware hardware.
Reset OpenSSH Configuration” A new option in Terminal allows IT admins to reset the OpenSSH configuration on their fleet.For details, admins can refer to man apple_ssh_and_fips.This update simplifies troubleshooting and configuration management for secure remote access on macOS.
Safari Multi-Factor Authentication: As with iOS, Safari on macOS now reliably handles hardware security key PINs, ensuring a consistent device experience.Improved Stability for Video Conferencing and Networking: Video conferencing apps perform more reliably, even when the built-in firewall and content filter extensions are enabled and active.DNS resolution has also been improved as well.
Flexible Account-Driven Enrollment: Similar to iOS 18.2, macOS now supports service discovery from alternative locations specified by the device management solution.This change makes enrolling devices easier, especially in complex network environments.Wrap up on what’s new in iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 These mid-cycle device management updates show Apple’s continued focus on making its iOS and macOS enterprise-ready without degrading the user experience.
With greater control over AI integrations to streamlined enrollment and enhanced security, IT admins can now better balance innovation and compliance.For businesses managing large fleets of Apple devices, iOS 18.2 and macOS Sonoma 15.2 are nice updates that simplify deployment, improve security, and support some unique workflows.Especially Around Apple Intelligence, it’s great to see Apple continuing to give IT teams the control and capabilities they need.
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