Securly MDM can be used to manage updates to the iOS operating system. For devices running versions iOS prior to 11.3 the ability to remotely push an update is only available if the device was enrolled through DEP. Starting with iOS 11.3 the ability to push updates will work on non-DEP devices too.

To initiate or schedule the update choose the device(s) from the list or device details page, then click the OS Update option from the drop down menu.

Choose whether you want the update command to be sent to the iPad(s) immediately, or at a scheduled time. When scheduling and update, you can send the command at a fixed time, or randomize it over a specified number of yours. Randomizing the update over a few hours can help avoid WiFi bandwidth problems if many devices are using the same WiFi access points.

Finding devices that need iOS updates

You can find devices that have an available OS update either from the device list or device details.

To find devices that have an available update, choose the device group or "All iOS" from Device Groups. Look for the column labeled "OS UPDATE". You can sort the list by clicking the column header to bring all devices with an available update to the top. If an update is available, the version will be indicated in the update column.

You can also find out if an update is available for a specific device in the OS information section of Device Details.

Viewing updates from this area provides additional details such as the size of the download.

Pushing out iOS updates to devices

To initiate or schedule the update choose the device(s) from the list or device details page, then click the OS Update option from the drop down menu..

Choose whether you want the update command to be sent to the iPad(s) immediately, or at a scheduled time. When scheduling and update, you can send the command at a fixed time, or randomize it over a specified number of yours. Randomizing the update over a few hours can help avoid WiFi bandwidth problems if many devices are using the same WiFi access points.

Delaying iOS updates

There may be times when you wish to prevent devices from upgrading to the latest available version of iOS. Apple introduced the ability to delay the updates in iOS 11.3. An update can be delayed for up to 90 days. When enabled, users will not receive notification or have the option to update the OS on their device.

To configure devices to delay iOS updates, use the "Software Updates" area in Restriction Profiles.

Managing iOS updates