> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.iru.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managed OS macOS compatibility and install methods

> macOS Managed OS update types, DDM delivery, and deployment considerations including Rolling enforcement planning and Software Update Library Item conflicts.

<Callout icon="apple" color="#B84A7A" iconType="regular">This guide applies to Mac computers</Callout>

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](/en/endpoint/library/auto-apps/auto-apps-overview).

### How Updates Are Delivered

Managed OS uses [Declarative Device Management (DDM)](/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/declarative-device-management-and-managed-os) 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](/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/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 Minimum Version**, and **Rolling enforcement** targets. Devices that cannot run the required version are not forced to install an incompatible update.

<Note>
  Managed OS does not support downgrading macOS.
</Note>

### Deployment Considerations

<Warning>
  Managed OS for macOS is not compatible with blocking the Software Update System Settings pane via any method; doing so can produce unexpected behavior.
</Warning>

If you use **Rolling enforcement**, the enforcement schedule is based on Apple’s release date. For [first-time fleet enforcement recommendations](/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/understanding-managed-os-for-apple-platforms#recommendations) and how **Rolling enforcement** can require immediate updates when Apple has not released within your **Within** window, see [Understanding Managed OS for Apple Platforms](/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/understanding-managed-os-for-apple-platforms).

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

### Related Articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configure Managed OS for macOS" icon="cog" href="/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/configure-managed-os-for-macos">
    Configure managed OS updates for Mac computers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understanding Managed OS for Apple Platforms" icon="book" href="/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/understanding-managed-os-for-apple-platforms">
    Understand how Managed OS enforcement works on Apple devices
  </Card>

  <Card title="macOS Managed OS User Experience" icon="user" href="/en/endpoint/devices/macos-managed-os-user-experience">
    What to expect when Managed OS updates run on your device
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understanding Issues with Managed OS for macOS" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/understanding-issues-with-managed-os-for-macos">
    Understand how Managed OS works with DDM and macOS when troubleshooting updates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Declarative Device Management and Managed OS" icon="apple" href="/en/endpoint/library/managed-os/declarative-device-management-and-managed-os">
    About Apple DDM and Managed OS in Iru Endpoint
  </Card>
</CardGroup>