Pre-installed apps (e.g. Pages, Numbers, Keynote, GarageBand, iMovie) are not included in the IPSW file, so you could restore devices prior to deployment. This would have the same effect and ensure that devices are up-to-date prior to handing them out. Alternatively, you could blacklist the apps via configuration profile. This wouldn't remove the apps, but would hide them from the Home Screen. This has the added benefit of working with pre-installed apps as well as built-in apps (e.g. TV, Shortcuts, Freeform).
