Apple releases Configurator for managing iOS devices from a Mac

The new app lets groups centrally setup new devices, install custom apps, update iOS software, backup and restore app data and settings, configure group settings (such as VPN or WiFi network credentials) and policies (such as setting minimum password policies, turning off Location Services or setting Parental Control-style restrictions) and personalize devices with specified data and documents (such as adding a group calendar).

Now listed in the Mac App Store, the free utility can be used to manage up to 30 devices at a time.

Mac Configurator is essentially an easier to use version of the iPhone Configuration Utility, pushing configuration profiles to iOS devices that a school or business has configured as managed devices.