Apple’s New MDM Migration: Seamless Transition to Microsoft Intune in iOS, iPadOS & macOS 26

Apple’s announcement of a streamlined Mobile Device Management (MDM) migration process in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26 has sent ripples through the IT and enterprise management world—especially among organizations orchestrating mixed device fleets. With Microsoft Intune emerging as an immediate beneficiary of Apple’s subtle yet pivotal shift, the cross-platform management story is being rewritten. The move, unveiled during WWDC 2025, empowers IT teams to transition Apple devices between MDM solutions seamlessly, minimizing both downtime and administrative friction.

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Background: Mobile Device Management at a Crossroads​

For years, enterprises have grappled with the challenge of managing devices across diverse operating systems. Mobile Device Management (MDM) remains the principal tool for configuring, securing, and updating endpoints, but moving devices between MDMs often introduced harsh trade-offs. The status quo demanded either a complete device wipe or a cumbersome, error-prone re-enrollment for every device that changed management platforms.
Transitioning an entire fleet was not just disruptive—it carried risks of data loss, user frustration, and operational downtime. As organizations sought greater agility, these hurdles became glaring pain points, particularly for environments juggling Apple, Windows, and other platforms. By rethinking the MDM migration experience, Apple has recognized this fundamental IT need and recalibrated how enterprises approach cross-platform device lifecycle management.

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Overview of Apple’s MDM Migration Update​

A New Chapter in Device Lifecycle Management​

With the release of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26, Apple has introduced a new MDM migration workflow that eliminates the need for wiping or manual re-enrollment. At its core, this approach allows IT admins to switch device management platforms—such as moving from a legacy MDM to Microsoft Intune—without disrupting the end-user or exposing organizational data to risk.

• No device wipe required during migration.
• Manual re-enrollment eliminated for users.
• Full preservation of user data and settings.
• Automated workflow managed via Apple Business Manager.

How the New MDM Migration Works​

The process leverages Apple Business Manager (ABM) as the linchpin. Devices enrolled through ABM and updated to version 26 or newer can be migrated smoothly. Migration is initiated centrally in ABM, and users simply need to approve the change directly on their devices. Stringent enrollment deadlines ensure organizational compliance, enforced by a non-dismissable on-screen prompt if deadlines are missed.

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Microsoft Intune: The Key Beneficiary​

Seamless Integration Certified by Microsoft​

Within days of Apple’s announcement, Microsoft was among the first to validate the new migration path. The company confirmed that the latest Apple MDM system dovetails perfectly with Microsoft Intune, its premier endpoint management solution. Now, IT administrators can migrate Apple devices to Intune using ABM, with zero downtime or loss of data for users.

• Devices must be enrolled in a device management service and run iOS, iPadOS, or macOS 26 or later.
• Intune requires setup of an Apple MDM push certificate and integration with Apple Business Manager.
• Existing device configurations and settings need to be thoroughly documented before migration.

Why this Matters for Hybrid Environments​

Organizations blending Apple and Windows hardware stand to gain the most. Intune, a central piece of Microsoft’s endpoint management suite, already offers tight integration with Windows devices. With Apple’s move, the headache of running parallel MDM silos is substantially reduced. IT teams can now manage, migrate, and secure their entire device inventory under a single umbrella, minimizing training overhead and policy inconsistencies.

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Technical Requirements and Limitations​

Preconditions for a Smooth Migration​

Despite its promise, the new process is not a plug-and-play solution. Successful migrations require:

• Device Enrollment: Devices must be previously enrolled in an existing MDM and registered within Apple Business Manager.
• Up-to-date Systems: Only devices running iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 26 or later are eligible.
• Intune Preparation: Admins must pre-configure Intune with an Apple MDM push certificate and ABM integration.

Migration Steps in Detail​

• Preparation
• Back up and document current device management settings.
• Configure Intune with the necessary Apple MDM credentials and connections.
• Initiate Migration
• Begin migration from Apple Business Manager, targeting specific device groups or the full fleet.
• User Approval
• Users receive a prompt on their device, which they must approve to finalize migration.
• Post-Migration Checks
• Verify device compliance, policy application, and any required configuration changes.

Non-Dismissable Prompt: Enforcing Enrollment​

If users ignore the initial migration prompt, Apple’s system escalates with a non-dismissable on-screen message, ensuring that devices do not fall out of managed compliance. This crucial safeguard keeps endpoints, and the sensitive data they hold, within the organization’s security perimeter.

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Strategic Implications for the Enterprise​

Reduced Operational Disruption​

By removing the necessity for device wipes or manual user intervention, Apple’s update translates directly to fewer support tickets, diminished user frustration, and reduced downtime. This seamlessness is particularly advantageous for:

• Large enterprises with thousands of distributed endpoints.
• Educational institutions needing flexible device reassignment.
• Hybrid workplaces that mix corporate and BYOD policies.

Empowering IT to Pivot Fast​

The ability to migrate device management without logistical overhead allows organizations to:

• Respond quickly to mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures.
• Shift quickly to new MDM platforms as business needs evolve.
• Consolidate management under a single-pane-of-glass solution, such as Intune.

Cross-Platform Cohesion​

For IT teams managing both Apple and Windows endpoints, this change makes Microsoft Intune a natural unifier. Organizations can now:

• Standardize device compliance and security policies.
• Automate software deployments and patching across vendors.
• Monitor every endpoint using a single security and analytics dashboard.

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Risks and Potential Downsides​

Requirement for Careful Planning​

The improved migration flow doesn’t eliminate the need for careful planning. Microsoft and Apple both caution IT admins to:

• Replicate and test configurations on a small subset of devices before scaling.
• Document all required settings to prevent policy drift or loss of compliance.
• Ensure all target devices are up-to-date and properly registered in ABM.

Platform Lock-in Concerns​

While this update removes barriers to switching MDM vendors, it still requires deep integration with both Apple Business Manager and Microsoft Intune. Organizations heavily invested in proprietary features of other MDMs may face migration complexity not fully addressed by the new workflow.

Compatibility and Update Lag​

Only devices updated to the latest OS versions can participate in the new migration paradigm. Legacy hardware and unpatched devices will remain on older, less flexible workflows, resulting in a two-speed device management landscape.

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Critical Analysis: Winners and Losers​

The Microsoft Intune Advantage​

Microsoft’s rapid alignment demonstrates its preparedness to capture a larger share of the Apple device management market. Intune’s compatibility with Apple’s latest MDM APIs cements its position as a flexible, cloud-first endpoint management solution that appeals to organizations seeking to standardize across platforms.

Apple’s Strategic Calculus​

Apple’s decision reflects a growing recognition that device heterogeneity is the new normal for the enterprise. By making it easier for customers to switch management vendors, Apple indirectly encourages organizations to continue deploying Macs, iPhones, and iPads—even in predominantly Windows-centric environments. This, in turn, drives continued hardware adoption without forcing an all-or-nothing management commitment.

Cautious Optimism​

The success of this smoother migration process rests not just on technical execution, but also on sustained support and further refinements. Device management is a moving target, shaped by security threats, regulatory change, and user expectations. While this update lowers barriers today, both Apple and Microsoft must maintain close collaboration to ensure seamless interoperability and rapid response to future needs.

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Best Practices for Implementing the New Migration Workflow​

Pre-Migration Checklist​

• Verify all devices run iOS, iPadOS, or macOS 26 or higher.
• Document every current device configuration.
• Prepare Intune and Apple MDM integrations ahead of schedule.
• Identify a pilot group for initial testing and validation.

During Migration​

• Communicate clearly with end users, setting expectations for minimal disruption.
• Use Apple Business Manager to drive and monitor the migration process.
• Leverage non-dismissable prompts to enforce compliance, but anticipate support for users who need assistance.

Post-Migration Validation​

• Confirm that all security policies and app deployments are intact.
• Audit for any compliance drift or configuration loss.
• Debrief internal teams to capture lessons learned and improve future migrations.

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Future Outlook: A Foundation for Further Innovation​

Apple’s MDM migration overhaul arrives at a pivotal time. The pace of workplace transformation—from hybrid work to heightened device security threats—demands agile, secure, and reliable management tools. By stepping past the pain points of the past, Apple and Microsoft jointly set a new baseline for what organizations can expect from cross-platform device management.
It is likely that this cooperation will spark further innovation across the industry, with other MDM vendors adapting to match Apple’s new APIs and workflow. As zero-touch enrollment, seamless compliance enforcement, and scalable migration become standard, the entire enterprise mobility ecosystem stands to benefit.

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Conclusion​

Apple’s update to its MDM migration process, enabling seamless, no-downtime transitions between management platforms, marks a watershed moment for IT organizations worldwide. Microsoft Intune’s rapid integration showcases the close technical alignment now possible for enterprises managing mixed device inventories. While this unlocks operational efficiencies and strengthens cross-platform policy management, diligent planning and rigorous testing remain essential for trouble-free execution. For the foreseeable future, organizations invested in both Apple and Microsoft ecosystems can look forward to a significantly smoother, more unified management experience—one where flexibility and security move hand-in-hand.

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Source: Windows Report A Subtle MDM Change from Apple Favors Microsoft Intune