Mac Apps

The macOS tab is used for managing apps to be distributed to devices. Apps can be added from one of three methods: ASM apps, App Store apps, or by uploading a Mac package file.

ASM Apps

Use ASM apps to add and distribute apps that have already been added to ASM and are ready to pull into Securly MDM for distribution. The apps will be distributed using licenses from ASM.

To add an ASM app, choose one of the ASM locations (tokens) from the selector. Available apps from ASM will be shown. The search box can be used to find a specific app. The “Device Assignable” column will indicate whether the app is device-assignable or user-assignable.

Device-assignable apps will be distributed directly to the device, regardless of any user information on the device. User-assignable apps can only be installed if a user is assigned to the device.

Once an app is added to the macOS apps list, it’s ready to be assigned to devices where the app will be installed. The user will need to be logging into the App Store on their device.

App Store

Use App Store apps to add and distribute apps that will originate from the App Store, not associated with the school or district. These apps will be distributed using the App Store account of the device user. The user must have an active Apple Account on their device where they will be prompted to authenticate when the app installation command is received on the device.

In most cases, schools should not distribute apps to students in this manner because it’s generally preferred to distribute school-owned apps from ASM rather than apps from a student’s own account.

To add an App Store app, use the search box to find an app, then click Add.

Upload Mac Package

Mac package files of up to 600 MB in size can be uploaded for distribution directly from Securly MDM. Upload an unsigned PKG file to the Upload Mac package tab. Only bundle-style packages, not raw packages are supported.

Free software is available to help create PKG files. See the article How to build Mac packages for distribution through Securly MDM for more information.

Once an app is added to the macOS apps list, it’s ready to be assigned to devices where the app will be installed.

Once an app is added to the macOS apps list, it’s ready to be assigned to devices where the app will be installed.

To directly upload newer versions of Mac apps and push them directly to update devices, go to App Details and use the options shown below.