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IT pros will be able to delay Apple updates for 90 days with iOS 11.3, macOS 10.13.4

Apple has added a new variable for device management, allowing supervised iPhones, iPads, and Macs to put off upgrading to a new version of the system software for up to 90 days.

A new "enforcedSoftwareUpdateDelay" configuration profile setting allows a device management administrator to configure how many days an update will be delayed. With the restriction in place, users of the managed devices won't even see the update until the specified number of days has elapsed.

The default for the setting in both iOS 11.3 and macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 is off. Once enabled, it is set for 30 days, and cam be maxed out at 90 days.

It is not clear at present what this means for Apple's signing windows on new iOS releases, if anything at all. It is not likely that the setting will migrate to unmanaged devices, given Apple's stance on OS updates.

The addition was first spotted by EnterpriseiOS shortly after the beta for iOS 11.3 and macOS 11.13.4 went live.



11 Comments

deminsd 143 comments · 7 Years

Unlike Windows, I didn't know MacOS forced an update on a user?

rob53 3312 comments · 13 Years

I presume this feature will be included in the new macOS Server product demonstrating Apple's desire/commitment to change the Server product into more of a device management product.

macxpress 5913 comments · 16 Years

deminsd said:
Unlike Windows, I didn't know MacOS forced an update on a user?

It doesn't...but it will keep bothering you about updates, or putting the number of updates on the App Store icon in the dock. There are times when I don't want my users updating because I haven't tested the update and I don't know what it does or doesn't do. Its not always best to have the latest and greatest installed 24/7.

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

deminsd said:
Unlike Windows, I didn't know MacOS forced an update on a user?

It doesn't, but many companies/institutions would not want their users updating until all of their apps and tools have been tested using the updated OS.

matrix077 868 comments · 9 Years

Can’t wait for 11.3 ... and HomePod.