The Best Apple MDM Solutions in 2025: Comprehensive Guide

Updated on June 30, 2025

MDM has evolved into UEM, covering comprehensive security, deployment, and management of all organizational endpoints. Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS) are crucial for many businesses. Effective management requires specialized tools integrated with Apple frameworks, embracing DDM and ADE. This article helps IT pros and MSPs find the best Apple MDM solutions in 2025, comparing platforms by Apple management features, multi-platform capabilities, and pricing for informed decisions.

Understanding Apple MDM: Core Capabilities and Ecosystem Integration 

Apple MDM is the set of functionalities and protocols that allow IT administrators to securely deploy, configure, and manage Apple devices remotely. It leverages Apple’s built-in management frameworks to ensure seamless integration and control.

Key Apple-Specific Management Features

• Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) / Zero-Touch Deployment: This crucial feature, facilitated through integration with Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM), allows organizations to automatically enroll new devices into their MDM solution directly out of the box, often without any IT intervention.
• Declarative Device Management (DDM): Representing a significant shift in Apple MDM, DDM enables devices to proactively report their state and autonomously apply configurations. This moves away from a purely reactive, server-driven model to a more resilient, client-driven one, improving reliability for software updates, configurations, and compliance checks in 2025. DDM now supports version pinning for App Store apps, arbitrary app configuration, managed identity support, and first-party app deployment with DDM parity.
• Configuration Profiles & Policies: Administrators use configuration profiles to define and enforce granular settings across Apple devices, including Wi-Fi and VPN configurations, email accounts, passcode policies, device restrictions (e.g., disabling camera, iCloud backup), and custom payload deployments.
• Application Management (VPP, Custom Apps): Apple MDM solutions facilitate the distribution and management of applications. This includes leveraging the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for purchasing and distributing App Store apps, as well as deploying custom enterprise applications developed in-house or by third parties.
• OS & Patch Management: For macOS, solutions provide capabilities for enforcing OS updates, deferring updates (where supported by DDM), and managing security patches. Some also integrate with tools like Munki for third-party macOS application patching.
• Security & Compliance: Core security features include enforcing FileVault disk encryption, managing Gatekeeper settings, integrating with XProtect, enabling remote wipe/lock for lost or stolen devices, and configuring compliance policies based on security benchmarks like CIS.
• Inventory & Asset Management: Automated collection of detailed hardware and software inventory data from Apple devices, providing insights into OS versions, installed apps, device health, and compliance status.
• Remote Control & Troubleshooting: Features like screen sharing and remote command execution allow IT to diagnose issues, provide support, and manage devices directly.
• User Enrollment (BYOD): Apple’s framework for managing employee-owned (Bring Your Own Device – BYOD) devices, allowing for secure separation of corporate data and apps from personal data, ensuring user privacy while maintaining corporate control.
• Platform SSO & Identity Integration: Seamlessly integrates with cloud identity providers (IdPs) like Azure AD or Okta, enabling users to authenticate once for device login, applications, and services, enhancing the user experience and security. This now includes single-use IDP authentication during initial setup and automated local account creation.

The Multi-Platform Advantage for IT Professionals and MSPs 

Modern IT environments are rarely homogeneous. For IT Professionals and MSPs, the reality is managing a diverse landscape that typically includes Windows desktops, Linux servers or workstations, Android mobile devices, and ChromeOS devices, alongside their significant Apple fleet. Therefore, a pure “Apple-only” MDM solution might address one part of the challenge but create fragmentation in overall management.

A Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) approach, which encompasses robust Apple MDM capabilities alongside support for other operating systems, offers substantial benefits:

• Centralized Control: Manage all device types from a single administrative console, drastically reducing operational complexity and the need for disparate tools.
• Consistent Security Posture: Enforce uniform security policies and compliance standards across the entire device fleet, regardless of OS, minimizing security gaps.
• Streamlined Workflows: Automate onboarding, configuration, patching, and application deployment across mixed environments, leading to significant time and resource savings.
• Holistic Visibility: Gain comprehensive insights into device health, compliance, and security status across all endpoints from a single pane of glass, enhancing reporting and auditing.

For organizations with mixed environments, the ability of a solution to integrate robust Apple management within a broader UEM strategy is a significant differentiator, optimizing IT efficiency and security across the entire ecosystem.

Top Apple MDM Solutions in 2025: A Comparative Analysis

Here’s a detailed comparison of leading Apple MDM solutions in 2025, highlighting their strengths, Apple-specific features, multi-platform support, and pricing.

1. JumpCloud

• Best for: SMBs and enterprise organizations seeking unified identity and device management across heterogeneous environments, including robust Apple (macOS, iOS) support.
• Overview: JumpCloud provides a comprehensive cloud directory platform that unifies identity, access, and device management. It’s designed to replace traditional on-premise directories, offering a single pane of glass for managing users and their devices across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with powerful Apple MDM capabilities.
• Key Apple Management Features: JumpCloud offers robust Apple MDM functionality, with core features including:
  • Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) via ABM/ASM
  • Comprehensive Policy Enforcement for macOS and iOS
  • Strong Declarative Device Management (DDM) Support
  • Flexible Application Deployment
  • macOS Patch Management
  • Remote Command Execution
  • Unified Identity-Driven Management
  • Platform SSO & Identity Integration
• Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) & Zero-Touch Deployment: JumpCloud fully integrates with Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM) for seamless Automated Device Enrollment (ADE). This enables true zero-touch deployment, allowing new Apple devices to be shipped directly to users and automatically configured upon first boot.
• Declarative Device Management (DDM) Capabilities: JumpCloud provides strong support for Apple’s Declarative Device Management (DDM) framework. This enables devices to proactively maintain their desired state and autonomously apply configurations, leading to more resilient software updates, configuration deployments, and compliance checks. It covers features like version pinning for App Store apps and managing arbitrary app configurations.
• Comprehensive Policy Enforcement: Administrators can enforce robust security policies for macOS and iOS devices, covering aspects like FileVault encryption, Gatekeeper settings, passcode requirements, and network configurations (Wi-Fi, VPN). JumpCloud’s policy engine allows for granular control over various device settings.
• Flexible Application Deployment: JumpCloud supports versatile application deployment for Apple devices, including direct installation of App Store applications via the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) and distribution of custom PKG files for macOS.
• macOS Patch Management: The platform provides capabilities for managing macOS operating system updates and can also assist with patching third-party applications, ensuring devices remain secure and compliant.
• Remote Command Execution: IT administrators can execute remote commands and scripts on macOS devices via a secure command-line interface, enabling advanced troubleshooting, automation, and custom configurations.
• Unified Identity-Driven Management: JumpCloud’s core strength lies in unifying identity and device management. Apple device policies are tightly integrated with user identities, enabling features like conditional access based on device trust, multi-factor authentication (MFA) for device login, and seamless user lifecycle management. New features in 2025 include enhanced conditional access policies using device signals like OS version and antivirus presence, and a “Primary User” column for dynamic device grouping.
• Platform SSO & Seamless Identity Integration: Supports Platform SSO on macOS, streamlining the user login experience by integrating directly with cloud identity providers. JumpCloud facilitates single-use IDP authentication during initial setup and automated local account creation, leading to a truly unified login and resource access experience across all managed Apple devices.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): This is JumpCloud’s standout strength. It provides seamless, comprehensive management for Windows and Linux devices (including a wide range of Linux distributions), making it a genuine UEM solution. This is ideal for IT professionals and MSPs managing diverse environments who want to consolidate tools and maintain consistent security policies across all operating systems.
• Pricing Model & Range: JumpCloud offers a modular pricing model, typically per user, per month, billed annually. Pricing varies based on the selected packages (e.g., Device Management, SSO, Platform, Platform Prime). Device management features can start around $9-$13 per user/month.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • True unified identity and endpoint management across Apple, Windows, and Linux.
  • Strong emphasis on security features like MFA, conditional access, and passwordless authentication.
  • Excellent scripting and automation capabilities for macOS (and Linux).
  • Cloud-native platform reduces on-premise infrastructure needs.
  • Comprehensive user lifecycle management tightly integrated with device policies.
  • Robust support for latest Apple MDM features including DDM and Platform SSO.

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2. Jamf Pro

• Best for: Enterprise and education organizations committed to an Apple-first ecosystem.
• Overview: Jamf Pro is an MDM solution built exclusively for Apple devices. It provides extensive control over macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices, with a strong focus on enterprise and education-specific workflows.
• Key Apple Management Features:
  • Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) & Zero-Touch: Support for ABM/ASM integration for seamless zero-touch provisioning.
  • Declarative Device Management (DDM) Leadership: DDM implementation, offering features for managed software updates, Apple Vision Pro/tvOS DDM support, and enhanced status reporting. Recent updates in 2025 include declarative Safari management (bookmarks, homepage) and declarative app management (version pinning, automatic updates).
  • Comprehensive Configuration & Policy Management: Options for macOS and iOS configuration profiles, including granular control over settings and restrictions.
  • Advanced Application Deployment: Tools for VPP, custom PKG files, and a Self Service app store for users.
  • macOS Patch Management: Capabilities for managing OS updates and third-party application patching.
  • Integrated Endpoint Security: Offers Jamf Protect for macOS endpoint security (EDR, compliance) and Jamf Connect for identity and access.
  • Return to Service (RTS): Enhancements in 2025 allow for app preservation and user workflow removal for re-enrollment on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS (with future support for later versions), streamlining device reprovisioning.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): Jamf’s primary focus remains the Apple ecosystem. While they’ve introduced lightweight Android enrollment support for mobile devices (as of July 1, 2025) and integrate with identity providers that support other OSes, it does not provide native management for Windows or Linux endpoints from the same console, typically requiring additional tools for a true UEM strategy.
• Pricing Model & Range: Jamf offers various products (Pro, Now, School, Protect, Connect). Jamf Pro’s pricing is per device, per year, billed annually. As of early 2025, for businesses, iOS/iPadOS/tvOS devices are approximately $3.67 per device/month ($44/year), and macOS devices are around $7.89 per device/month ($95/year). Device minimums apply. Jamf Now offers simpler management for SMBs at $4 per device/month (first 3 free).
• Strengths (Pros):
  • Wide-ranging Apple-specific features and controls.
  • Strong community (Jamf Nation) and extensive documentation.
  • Pioneering in new Apple MDM capabilities and security integrations.
  • Excellent for large-scale Apple deployments in enterprise and education.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • Primarily Apple-focused, meaning additional tools are generally needed for managing Windows, Linux, or broader Android devices.
  • Can have a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and customization options.

3. Kandji

• Best for: Mac-focused organizations prioritizing automation, security, and compliance with an Apple MDM platform.
• Overview: Kandji is a cloud-native Apple MDM platform designed to automate and secure Apple devices, with a strong emphasis on compliance and endpoint security. It aims to simplify complex tasks through automation and a user-friendly interface.
• Key Apple Management Features:
  • Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) & Zero-Touch with “Liftoff”: Provides full ADE support via ABM/ASM and Kandji’s “Liftoff” for streamlined, automated Mac setup.
  • Declarative Device Management (DDM) Support: DDM capabilities include version pinning for App Store apps, arbitrary app configuration, managed identity support in apps, and first-party app deployment with DDM parity across all major Apple platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS). Legacy MDM software commands and queries are now officially deprecated for software update workflows, marking a full transition to DDM.
  • Auto Apps & Patch Management: Automatically deploys and patches a vast library of popular macOS applications, keeping software up-to-date.
  • Compliance Automation: Offers one-click compliance templates (e.g., CIS, SOC 2, HIPAA) and continuous monitoring with auto-remediation.
  • Integrated Endpoint Security: Includes built-in Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) for macOS and Vulnerability Management.
  • Return to Service (RTS): Enhanced RTS in 2025 allows wiping a device, maintaining Wi-Fi, automatic MDM re-enrollment, and app persistence from a snapshot, ideal for high-turnover environments.
  • Streamlined Identity & Platform SSO: Integrations and new features like single-use IDP authentication during setup and automated local account creation make Platform SSO a practical solution for modern Apple identity.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): Kandji’s primary focus remains Apple. While they integrate with various identity providers, their direct device management capabilities for Windows or Linux are limited, requiring additional tools for full UEM across heterogeneous environments.
• Pricing Model & Range: Kandji’s pricing is typically quote-based, varying based on device count and features. Based on community insights (Vendr), median buyer spend is around $17,468/year, which can estimate to around $4.00+ per device/month depending on volume and specific features (e.g., EDR, Vulnerability Management). Pricing may increase at renewal, with some buyers noting potential year-over-year uplifts. Free trials are generally available.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • Compliance automation with pre-built templates and continuous monitoring.
  • Focus on security with integrated EDR and vulnerability management for macOS.
  • Intuitive UI and powerful automation features (Liftoff, Auto Apps).
  • Adoption of DDM features for simplified device management.
  • Support and integration for critical Apple ecosystem tools, including advanced identity features.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • Pricing can be less transparent and potentially higher than some alternatives, especially for smaller deployments, with noted increases at renewal.
  • Primarily Apple-focused, requiring other tools for managing Windows, Linux, etc.
  • API and integration capabilities noted as potentially more limited than Jamf for highly customized enterprise needs.

4. Mosyle

• Best for: SMBs, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations seeking a highly affordable yet feature-rich Apple MDM solution.
• Overview: Mosyle offers a suite of cloud-native Apple MDM solutions (Mosyle Business, Mosyle Fuse, Mosyle Manager for Education) designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
• Key Apple Management Features:
  • Zero-Touch Deployment & ADE: Support for ADE integration via ABM/ASM for seamless device enrollment.
  • Extensive Policy Management: Granular control over device settings, restrictions, Wi-Fi, VPN, and email accounts on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS.
  • Application Lifecycle Management: Remote installation, updating, and removal of apps from App Store, VPP, or custom enterprise apps.
  • OS Version Control: Features to schedule or defer OS updates, ensuring consistency across the fleet.
  • Growing DDM Support: Adopting Declarative Device Management (DDM) capabilities, improving proactive device state management. New in 2025, supervised devices can temporarily pair AirPods/Beats accessories without syncing to iCloud.
  • Robust Security & Compliance: Enforcement of full-disk encryption, jailbreak/root detection, and real-time alerts.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Supports multi-admin environments with role separation.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): While Mosyle’s core strength is Apple, Mosyle Fuse extends some limited Windows management capabilities for a unified approach for businesses, though it’s not as comprehensive as a full UEM like JumpCloud.
• Pricing Model & Range: Mosyle is known for its competitive pricing. Mosyle Business offers a free tier for up to 30 devices. Mosyle Business Premium is approximately $1.00 per device/month, and Mosyle Fuse (which adds identity and network security) starts around $1.50 per device/month (as of early 2025). Educational pricing is even lower.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • Cost-effective, with a free tier.
  • Comprehensive Apple MDM features for its price point.
  • User-friendly interface and fast deployment.
  • Support for ABM, ADE, and Supervised Mode.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • While growing, automation capabilities might not be as extensive or deeply customizable as high-end enterprise solutions like JumpCloud.
  • Limited multi-platform management outside the Apple ecosystem, requiring additional tools for true UEM.

5. Microsoft Intune

• Best for: Organizations deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem.
• Overview: Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management service within Microsoft’s Endpoint Manager suite. While traditionally Windows-centric, Intune has expanded its Apple device management capabilities, aiming to provide a unified experience within the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Key Apple Management Features: Intune provides Apple MDM features, including:
  • Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) via ABM/ASM: Support for zero-touch provisioning of Macs and iOS/iPadOS devices.
  • Robust Configuration Profile Management: Options for Apple device settings, restrictions, and policies.
  • Application Deployment: Supports App Store, VPP, and Line-of-Business (LOB) app deployment for Apple devices.
  • OS Update Management: Capabilities for enforcing and managing OS updates for macOS and iOS/iPadOS.
  • Declarative Device Management (DDM): Evolving support for DDM to enable modern management workflows and enhanced device reporting.
  • Deep Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: Integrates with Azure AD for identity-driven access, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for advanced security, and Microsoft Copilot for AI-generated insights. New in 2025, Intune supports Apple Intelligence controls for managed apps (e.g., blocking screen capture, writing tools, Genmojis) and offers improved VPP API integration for faster app updates.
  • Shared Device Support: Includes features like device-only licensing for shared or kiosk Apple devices.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): Intune offers management for Windows, Android, and growing capabilities for Linux (primarily server-focused).
• Pricing Model & Range: Intune is typically licensed per user, per month, often as part of Microsoft 365 or Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suites. Standalone Intune Plan 1 is around $8.00 per user/month, with Intune Plan 2 (add-on for advanced features) at $4.00 per user/month. The comprehensive Intune Suite (including Remote Help, Endpoint Privilege Management, Advanced Analytics, and Enterprise App Management) is around $10.00 per user/month (as of early 2025). Device-only licenses are available for shared or kiosk devices.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • Integration with Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and the broader Microsoft security ecosystem.
  • UEM capabilities for Windows, Android, and Apple devices from a single console.
  • Compliance and conditional access policies for identity-driven security.
  • Leverages Microsoft’s continuous investment in cloud management and AI.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • While improving, some highly specific Apple-only niche features might still be less granular than pure-play Apple MDMs like Jamf or Kandji.
  • Best value is realized when already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, which has costs of its own.

6. Addigy

• Best for: MSPs and enterprises with a primary focus on Apple-only device management.
• Overview: Addigy is a cloud-based Apple MDM and RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) platform built exclusively for managing macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. It emphasizes real-time connectivity, compliance, and automation for Apple fleets.
• Key Apple Management Features:
  • Real-time Device Management: Offers immediate visibility and control over Apple devices.
  • Automated Device Enrollment (ADE): Full support for ABM/ASM integration for rapid, zero-touch deployment.
  • Declarative Device Management (DDM) Support: Supports both Apple MDM and DDM for modern management workflows.
  • Comprehensive Configuration & Policy Enforcement: Granular control over settings, restrictions, and security policies.
  • Advanced Application & Patch Management: Supports App Store, VPP, custom apps, and robust Munki integration for macOS patching. Offers automated OS updates.
  • Compliance Automation: One-click benchmarks for CIS, NIST, and CMMC with auto-remediation. 
  • Remote Control & Live Access: Features like GoLive dashboard, remote screen sharing, and command-line access for immediate troubleshooting.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): Addigy is an Apple-only management solution. It does not provide native management for Windows, Linux, or Android devices, requiring integration with other RMM/UEM tools for heterogeneous environments.
• Pricing Model & Range: Addigy offers month-to-month or annual pricing, typically per device, and all features included in its core offering. Pricing is generally around $5.00-$6.00 per device/month (as of early 2025), with volume discounts. Free trials are available.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • Expertise and features specifically for the Apple ecosystem.
  • Compliance automation with built-in benchmarks and auto-remediation.
  • Real-time device monitoring and control for immediate issue resolution.
  • Customer support and ongoing innovation for Apple devices.
  • MSPs managing multiple Apple-only clients.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • Apple-only focus means additional tools are needed for managing non-Apple devices.
  • May be overkill for Apple fleets if not an MSP.

7. SimpleMDM

• Best for: Small to medium businesses (SMBs) and organizations looking for a straightforward Apple-only MDM solution.
• Overview: SimpleMDM is a cloud-based MDM solution focused purely on Apple device management. It prides itself on its intuitive interface and streamlined workflows for deploying, securing, and managing iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
• Key Apple Management Features: SimpleMDM offers core Apple MDM functionalities:
  • No-Touch Enrollment: Supports ADE and ABM/ASM integration for streamlined device setup.
  • Customizable Configuration Profiles: Provides ready-to-use and custom configuration profiles for granular control over device settings.
  • Rapid Application Deployment: Supports App Store, VPP, custom B2B apps, and robust Munki integration for macOS software deployment.
  • Real-time Fleet Visibility: Offers insights into OS versions, encryption status, and installed apps.
  • Policy Enforcement: Includes features like application blacklisting/whitelisting, web content filtering, and device restrictions.
  • Remote Device Actions: Provides capabilities for remote lock, wipe, restart, and clear passcode.
  • Declarative Device Management (DDM) Support: Continually expanding its DDM capabilities for modern management workflows.
  • User Enrollment for BYOD: Supports User Enrollment for secure BYOD setups, ensuring data separation and user privacy.
• Multi-Platform Support (Beyond Apple): SimpleMDM focuses exclusively on Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS). It does not offer native management for Windows, Linux, or Android, necessitating other management tools for mixed environments.
• Pricing Model & Range: SimpleMDM is priced per device, per month. As of early 2025, pricing starts around $3.00-$4.00 per device/month, often with tiered discounts for higher volumes. A free trial is available.
• Strengths (Pros):
  • User-friendly interface and straightforward setup.
  • Cost-effective pricing.
  • Solid set of core Apple MDM features, including Munki integration for macOS.
  • Strong focus on user privacy with BYOD support.
• Considerations (Trade-offs):
  • Apple-only focus means no unified management for other OS types.
  • Lacks some of the deeper enterprise-grade integrations or advanced automation features found in more comprehensive UEM platforms.

Unify Identity, Access, and Devices With JumpCloud

JumpCloud offers a unique, all-in-one MDM solution that provides seamless management for Apple, Windows, and Linux devices from a single console. IT administrators can effortlessly secure devices, automate patch updates, remotely wipe or lock lost machines, and configure zero-touch enrollment. Beyond core device management, JumpCloud integrates essential security features like SSO, MFA, full-disk encryption, cloud LDAP, and RADIUS. This comprehensive approach simplifies cross-system management and centralizes security controls, ensuring employee devices and company data are protected regardless of location, while also streamlining the enrollment process for macOS machines.

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