AirWatch, now known as VMware Workspace ONE, is a comprehensive enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution that allows organizations to manage and secure devices, applications, and content. While AirWatch is often associated with managing Android and Windows devices, it is also highly applicable to the Apple ecosystem, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. This article will guide you through the process of managing Apple devices using AirWatch, highlighting its importance and providing practical examples.

AirWatch is crucial for organizations that need to enforce security policies, distribute applications, and ensure compliance across a fleet of Apple devices. By integrating AirWatch with Apple Business Manager, organizations can streamline device enrollment, configure settings remotely, and deploy applications effortlessly.

Examples:

1. Enrolling Apple Devices in AirWatch:

   To enroll an Apple device in AirWatch, follow these steps:

   • Step 1: Log in to the AirWatch Console.
   • Step 2: Navigate to Devices > Lifecycle > Enrollment.
   • Step 3: Select Add to create a new enrollment profile.
   • Step 4: Configure the profile settings, such as authentication method, device ownership type, and enrollment restrictions.
   • Step 5: Save the profile and provide the enrollment URL or QR code to the end-user.

   # Example of an enrollment URL
   https://<your_airwatch_instance>.com/enroll

2. Configuring Device Profiles:

   Device profiles are used to enforce policies and settings on Apple devices. Here’s how to create a device profile:

   • Step 1: In the AirWatch Console, go to Devices > Profiles > List View.
   • Step 2: Click Add and select the platform (iOS, iPadOS, or macOS).
   • Step 3: Configure the profile settings, such as Wi-Fi, VPN, and restrictions.
   • Step 4: Assign the profile to specific devices or user groups.

   <!-- Example of a Wi-Fi profile payload for iOS -->
   <dict>
      <key>PayloadType</key>
      <string>com.apple.wifi.managed</string>
      <key>PayloadVersion</key>
      <integer>1</integer>
      <key>PayloadIdentifier</key>
      <string>com.company.wifi</string>
      <key>PayloadUUID</key>
      <string>12345678-1234-1234-1234-1234567890ab</string>
      <key>PayloadDisplayName</key>
      <string>Company Wi-Fi</string>
      <key>SSID_STR</key>
      <string>CompanyNetwork</string>
      <key>HIDDEN_NETWORK</key>
      <false/>
      <key>AutoJoin</key>
      <true/>
      <key>EncryptionType</key>
      <string>WPA2</string>
      <key>Password</key>
      <string>password123</string>
   </dict>

3. Deploying Applications:

   To deploy applications to Apple devices using AirWatch:

   • Step 1: Navigate to Apps & Books > Applications > Native.
   • Step 2: Click Add Application and select the platform.
   • Step 3: Search for the application in the Apple App Store or upload an enterprise app.
   • Step 4: Configure deployment settings, such as assignment groups and deployment schedules.
   • Step 5: Save and publish the application.

   {
      "appName": "ExampleApp",
      "platform": "iOS",
      "deploymentType": "On Demand",
      "assignmentGroups": ["Sales Team", "Marketing Team"]
   }