Apple DEP-2025 - Apple Deployment and Management Certification Exam

When devices are updated using Apple Configurator with the“requires tethering”option, the host Mac acts as the source for software updates. In this model, the Mac downloads and caches update packages, which are then installed onto the connected iOS or iPadOS device. This bypasses typical over-the-air (OTA) caching mechanisms and content delivery networks. Apple specifies this workflow as beneficial when updating large numbers of devices in lab or classroom environments, where bandwidth efficiency and predictable installation are important. Thus, the cached update content resideson the host Mac, ensuring devices receive updates directly from a local source.

Apple introducedPlatform Single Sign-On (Platform SSO)as the next-generation identity integration framework for macOS. Unlike traditional directory binding, Platform SSO allows local macOS accounts to be linked with cloud identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta. When enabled, a user’s macOS account credentials are kept in sync with their IdP credentials. This prevents password drift and ensures the same identity can be used across system login, apps, and web services. Apple Learning emphasizes that this provides a unified sign-on experience, replacing the need for legacy solutions like AD binding. Neither Entra ID nor LDAP alone synchronizes macOS local accounts; the synchronization requires the Platform SSO technology.

WPA2 Enterprise networks utilize individual user credentials (e.g., username and password) or device- and/or user-based certificates for authentication, typically via protocols like EAP-TLS or PEAP, integrated with a RADIUS server. This provides granular control over network access, ideal for organizational settings. A provisioning network (option A) is a temporary network for device setup, not a security standard. WPA2 Personal (option B) uses a shared passphrase, lacking individual authentication. TheApple Platform Deployment Guidespecifies WPA2 Enterprise for secure, user-specific network access in managed environments.

Supervised devices give administrators additional control, especially during redeployment. Apple’s MDM framework includes the option to preserve theeSIMcellular data plan when sending an erase command. This is done through thePreserveDataPlankey as part of the MDM wipe command. Apple stresses that while user data, apps, and passcodes are always removed during a managed erase, the data plan can be explicitly retained to avoid disruption. This functionality is especially valuable for organizations with carrier-managed iPads, reducing operational friction when reissuing devices. No other data types—apps, passcodes, or settings—are preserved during this process.

To unenroll a device from an MDM solution, an administrator’s approval is typically required, especially for supervised or organization-owned devices. This involves removing the MDM profile from the device via the MDM server, which may also require removing the device from Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager if enrolled via ADE. The device’s passcode (option B) isn’t required for unenrollment. User acceptance (option C) isn’t needed for administrator-initiated unenrollment, though users might remove profiles manually on unsupervised devices if permitted. A wipe command (option D) isn’t necessary unless unenrollment includes data removal. TheApple Platform Deployment Guideoutlines this process.

Apple’sContent Cachingservice is powerful for bandwidth optimization, but unmanaged deployments can cause inefficiencies if every user enables caching on their Mac. Apple Learning recommends controlling this centrally. The best strategy is to use anMDM restriction to prevent content caching from being turned on for every user’s managed Mac, ensuring only designated caching servers (such as Mac mini or lab servers) perform this role. This prevents network fragmentation where multiple unmanaged caches might compete or misdirect traffic. AssetCacheManagerUtil can preload content but does not scale efficiently. Authenticated content caching is for restricting access, not optimizing traffic. Preventing user-enabled caching maintains centralized control, ensuring caching infrastructure is efficient, secure, and optimized across the organization’s subnets.

Apple introducedAuto Advancefor macOS as a way to completely automate Setup Assistant. When a Mac is connected to Ethernet and assigned to an MDM server through Automated Device Enrollment, Auto Advance skips every Setup Assistant pane, including language, region, Apple ID, and account creation. Apple Learning explains that this feature is particularly useful for enterprise deployments, labs, or shared environments where IT does not want users making configuration choices. Auto Advance ensures the Mac enrolls into MDM, applies configuration profiles, and lands directly on the desktop with minimal interaction. Options like Quick Setup or Fast Track are not actual Apple deployment features, while Return to Service is related to iOS/iPadOS redeployment workflows, not Mac. Auto Advance is the verified method to bypass all Setup Assistant panes seamlessly.

On supervised devices, conversion is seamless. TheMobile Device Management Protocol Referencestates, "On supervised devices, MDM can convert an unmanaged app to managed without user interaction when deploying the managed version."

For organizations to distribute apps and books purchased throughApple Business Manager (ABM)orApple School Manager (ASM), thecontent token(also called a server token) must be uploaded into theMDM solution. Apple documentation explains that the token authorizes the MDM to sync licenses and distribute them to devices or users. The token is first generated and downloaded from ABM/ASM, then installed into the MDM. Uploading the token anywhere else (such as an IdP or Kerberos server) would not link app licensing to MDM. Once uploaded, licenses purchased in ABM appear automatically in the MDM portal for assignment. This workflow ensures apps remain organizational assets and can be reassigned as needed.

For new devices purchased from an Apple Authorized Reseller or carrier to automatically appear in Apple Business Manager or School Manager, the reseller must be linked to your organization. Apple states that this is done by providing the reseller with yourOrganization IDand entering theirReseller Numberin ABM/ASM. Once the reseller’s number is configured, devices purchased from that reseller automatically populate into ABM for assignment to MDM. Customer Numbers are used when buying directly from Apple, not from resellers. Purchase orders or Org IDs alone will not ensure devices sync. The Reseller Number is the required element here.