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This guide applies to iOS and iPadOS devices

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About Device Management Migration

Iru Endpoint supports Apple’s device management migration feature introduced with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. This feature lets you migrate devices enrolled via Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) from one device management service to another without requiring a factory restore. Instead of a factory restore, the end-user performs a device restart to complete the migration. Activation Lock can also be transferred during the migration, ensuring new bypass codes are stored in Iru Endpoint.

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How It Works

The migration process starts in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, where you assign a device to a different device management server and set a migration deadline. This deadline determines when the device must complete migration to the new device management service. You can identify migrating devices in Iru Endpoint via the Automated Device Enrollment settings page. There’s a new optional column for Migration Deadline that can be added to the table. If a device has a migration deadline, it’s migrating from another device management service. If you want to preserve Activation Lock post-migration, ensure your device has an Automated Device Enrollment Library Item in its Blueprint with device-based Activation Lock enabled. Learn more. Once set, the end user receives a push notification alerting them to the migration and the deadline, allowing them to perform the migration immediately or defer to later. If deferred, the notification persists in the Settings app. Once the migration deadline has been reached, the end user can’t defer this notification and the device will force migration. After the user performs the restart, they’re guided through a setup assistant to complete the device management migration.

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Setting Up Device Management Migration

1

Assign Device in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager

Log in to Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager and select the Assign Device Management option from the device information page.
2

Set Migration Deadline

Select Add Deadline to configure the date and time the device will be forced to migrate.
3

View Migration Deadline in Iru Endpoint

Once a deadline has been added, this date and time displays in Iru Endpoint under a new optional Migration deadline column on the Enrollment > Automated Device Enrollment page.
4

Configure Automated Device Enrollment Library Item

An Automated Device Enrollment Library Item is optional. It’s only needed if you want to preserve Activation Lock post-migration.
If you want to preserve Activation Lock, ensure devices migrating into Iru Endpoint have an Automated Device Enrollment Library Item included in their Blueprint. Enable device-based Activation Lock in the Automated Device Enrollment Library Item to ensure Activation Lock is maintained post-migration.

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User Experience

Shortly after the deadline is set, the device receives a push notification alerting the user to the upcoming migration deadline with a prompt to complete the migration early. The notification appears on the lock screen, home screen, and in Settings. Users can start the migration immediately or defer it until the deadline.
1

Receive Migration Notification

The device receives a push notification alerting the user to the upcoming migration deadline. The notification appears on the lock screen, home screen, and in Settings.
2

Start Migration

Users can start the migration immediately or defer it until the deadline. If deferred, the notification persists in the Settings app. Once the migration deadline has been reached, the end user can’t defer this notification and the device will force migration.
3

Restart Device

After starting the migration, the user is prompted to restart the device to complete the migration process.
4

Complete Migration

After the user performs the restart, they’re guided through a setup assistant to complete the device management migration.

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Considerations

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Activation Lock Transfer

While Activation Lock will be transferred to Iru Endpoint, all configured apps, profiles, and declarations installed from the original device management service will be removed post-migration. It’s recommended that admins recreate these resources in Iru Endpoint and assign them to the migrating device’s Blueprint.

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Benefits

This device management migration feature helps customers migrate from another device management service into Iru Endpoint. The key benefit is that company-owned devices don’t have to be factory restored to move to a new device management solution. Previously, a factory restore was required to move a company-owned device from one device management service to another. The migration wizard also provides a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

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References

For more information about Apple’s device management migration feature, see Apple’s documentation.