Deploying iOS updates in MaaS360

Remotely deploy software updates and Rapid Security Responses (RSR) fixes, or enforce a software update within a specified timeframe on a device or device group.

About this task

Use Advanced Search to filter devices for iOS updates and create device groups to dynamically target devices for iOS updates without manually updating the group membership. Use these device groups to deploy an iOS update to a selected subset of devices and test the update's compatibility with apps, software, and devices before you deploy it to all devices in your organization. For example, create a device group that includes all devices with an older iOS version. MaaS360 automatically updates the group when the devices in the MaaS360 Portal meet the specified criteria. For more information, see Creating a device group from Advanced Search results.

Supported iOS devices

  • The Push iOS update action is supported for Supervised devices with iOS version 10.3 or later.
  • The Enforce OS version action is supported for Supervised devices with iOS version 17 or later.

Procedure

  1. Do one of the following deployment options:
    • To deploy or enforce a software update to an individual device, go to Devices > Inventory. In the details view of the device, click More > Push iOS Update.
    • To deploy or enforce a software update to a device group, go to Devices > Groups. Click the More link for the group name and then click Push iOS Update.
  2. In the Push iOS Update window, select one of the following update methods:
    • Enforce OS version: Enforces a software update on a device or devices in a group within a specified timeframe.
      Tip: For a device, this option is displayed by default only if the device's version is iOS 17 or later. For a group, this option is available. When applied, devices in the group with version iOS 17 or later are enforced to deploy the selected OS version within the specified timeframe. However, devices in the group with version earlier than iOS 17 are deployed with the selected OS version without enforcement.
    • Push iOS update: Deploys a software update to an iOS device or devices in a group.
      Tip: For a device, this option is displayed only if the device's version is older than iOS 17. For a group, this option is available and labeled as Push iOS update (Legacy).
  3. To configure the Enforce OS version option, complete the following steps.
    1. In the Select OS version drop-down field, select the relevant iOS version to enforce the software update to a device or devices in a group.
      Important:
      • For a device, the list displays only the supported iOS versions that are determined based on the device's current iOS version and model number. For a group, MaaS360 displays a list of software versions later than iOS 17 which are currently supported by Apple.
      • The Latest Version option is listed only for a group. Use this option to automatically enforce the installation of the newest version that is applicable for each device model. When applied, devices in the group with version iOS 17 or later are enforced to deploy the newest OS version within the specified timeframe. However, devices in the group with version earlier than iOS 17 are deployed with the newest OS version that is applicable for each device model without enforcement.
      • If the selected software version is incompatible with the device model or if the device is already running a newer software version, MaaS360 does not install the iOS version.
    2. In the Enforcement date and time field, select the date and time to enforce the OS update on a device or devices in a group. The OS update occurs when all the criteria for update are met, such as the device is in an unlocked state or the device receives network connectivity.
  4. To configure the Push iOS update option, complete the following steps.
    1. Select a deployment option.
    2. In the Select OS version drop-down field, select the relevant iOS version to deploy the software update to a device or devices in a group.
      Important:
      • For a device, the list displays only the supported iOS versions that are older than iOS 17, determined based on the device's current iOS version and model number. For a group, MaaS360 displays a static list based on the software versions that are currently supported by Apple.
      • The Latest Version option is listed only for a group. Use this option to automatically deploy the newest version that is applicable for each device model.
      • If the selected software version is incompatible with the device model or if the device is already running a newer software version, MaaS360 does not install the iOS version.
      • The supported Rapid Software Response (RSR) fixes are displayed for both individual devices and groups. New RSR versions are delivered only for the latest iOS versions that are compatible with the corresponding base OS versions.
  5. Click Continue.
    The action request is submitted. The device might require up to four or five hours to download and install the software update.

What to do next

Track the status of the OS update actions on a device or device group. For more information, see Tracking the OS Update status for a device and Tracking the OS Update status for device groups.