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This guide applies to Mac computers
Managed OS is a feature in Iru Endpoint that lets you specify a minimum macOS version a supervised Mac must run and enforce updates when that minimum is not met. The experience is similar to Auto Apps.

How Updates Are Delivered

Managed OS uses Declarative Device Management (DDM) to deliver and enforce macOS updates. The operating system handles downloading, caching, user notifications, and installation. You can offer major macOS upgrades via Self Service (install on-demand from Self Service) or have them enforced automatically. For more on how DDM and Managed OS work together, see Declarative Device Management and Managed OS. Update types you can manage include:
  • Minor and patch updates (e.g., 14.2.1 → 14.3)
  • Major version upgrades (e.g., macOS 14 → 15)
  • Background Security Improvements: Lightweight security updates from Apple (Safari, WebKit, system libraries) delivered between full OS updates.
Iru checks hardware compatibility before enforcing Enforce a specific version, Manually enforce a minimum version, and Rolling enforcement targets. Devices that cannot run the required version are not forced to install an incompatible update.
Managed OS does not support downgrading macOS.

Deployment Considerations

Managed OS for macOS is not compatible with blocking the Software Update System Settings pane via any method; doing so can produce unexpected behavior.
If you use Rolling enforcement, the enforcement schedule is based on Apple’s release date. Optional Delay enforcement by (up to 90 days) delays when the target-version declaration is sent without changing that enforcement date. For first-time fleet enforcement recommendations, how Rolling enforcement can require immediate updates when Apple has not released an update within your Within window, and how Delay enforcement by works with Software Update deferrals, see Understanding Managed OS for Apple Platforms.
To avoid conflicts with pre-downloading and caching, if you use Managed OS, turn off automatic download of updates in any Software Update Library Items used in the same Blueprint.

Configure Managed OS for macOS

Configure managed OS updates for Mac computers

Understanding Managed OS for Apple Platforms

Understand how Managed OS enforcement works on Apple devices

macOS Managed OS User Experience

What to expect when Managed OS updates run on your device

Understanding Issues with Managed OS for macOS

Understand how Managed OS works with DDM and macOS when troubleshooting updates

Declarative Device Management and Managed OS

About Apple DDM and Managed OS in Iru Endpoint