Erase All Contents and Settings
This functionality was already available on iOS and tvOS, allowing you to quickly restore a device to its factory settings. On macOS devices, users had to erase the disk and reinstall the entire OS, which could take up to 30 minutes. With macOS Monterey, it will be possible to only erase user settings while keeping macOS intact. This allows the next user to get started right away!
Video: Link
RecoveryOS Password
On Macs with Intel chips, it was already possible to set a firmware password to prevent (unwanted) users from accessing resources intended for administrators, such as macOS Recovery and System Integrity Protection. On Macs with Apple silicon and starting from macOS 11.5 (Big Sur), it is now possible to secure recoveryOS with a password. RecoveryOS is the successor to macOS Recovery on Intel Macs. We don’t have to wait until the fall for this feature! It will be added in the next update of macOS Big Sur (this summer).
Video: Link
Apple Configurator for iPhone
Since iOS 11 and tvOS 11, it has been possible to add iOS and tvOS devices to Apple Business Manager without purchasing them through the Apple Business Team or an Authorized Reseller. With macOS Monterey, it is now possible to add macOS devices to Apple Business Manager as well. This allows them to benefit from Automated Device Enrollment (zero-touch). Apple will launch an iPhone version of Apple Configurator, which enables you to scan an image on the Mac during the Setup Assistant.
Video: Link
Managing Software Updates
A new MDM command for macOS updates allows for automatic installation while giving the user the option to postpone the update a certain number of times. As an administrator, you want updates to be installed as quickly as possible without interrupting the user at critical moments. This new feature will use on-device machine learning to attempt applying the update when the user is not actively using the Mac.
Video: Link
Universal Control
During the Keynote, this feature had the biggest wow-factor! If you have a Mac and an iPad, you can now use one keyboard and mouse to control both devices. Simply move the Mac’s mouse towards the iPad when it acts as an external display. Additionally, you can copy content like documents and images by dragging and dropping between the devices.
Video: Link
Focus
The Focus feature is an expansion of ‘Do Not Disturb.’ It can reduce distractions during office hours, for example, by not receiving notifications from Messages or WhatsApp. You can differentiate between contacts and apps. On the other hand, a mode can be used for personal time, so you don’t receive notifications from work emails. macOS Monterey and iOS 15 will suggest using Focus in an easy-to-use manner. To make the most of this feature, you can create custom schedules and customize the layout.
Video: Link
Other Notable Improvements:
- FaceTime on the Web
- iCloud Custom Domain
- Password and 2-Factor Authentication
- Shortcuts for Mac
For all the updates, watch the WWDC21 Keynote or follow the tech sessions in the Developer App!
WWDC21 Keynote: Link Developer App: Link
In the coming period, we will share more information about the latest developments on our blog and with our clients.
For more information, please contact +31 85 400 30 30 or [email protected]!