As enterprises grow increasingly and rely on technology, finding efficient ways to provide
employees with access to digital tools is important. While iPads are often the device of choice
for many organization, a one-to-one deployment may not always be feasible. Apple’s Shared
iPad functionality, combined with Jamf Pro, offers a powerful solution for enterprises
looking to provide secure and personalized access on shared devices without compromising
user experience or data security.
What is Shared iPad in Enterprise?
Shared iPad is a feature designed to enable multiple users to share a single iPad while
maintaining a secure, personalized experience for each individual. Each user logs into the
device with their Managed Apple Account or a temporary session, accessing their unique
apps, settings, and data. When users log out, their data is stored securely and becomes
inaccessible to others.
In an enterprise context, this is particularly useful for shift-based employees, remote teams, or
front-line workers who don’t need a dedicated device but require consistent access to
business tools and applications.
Benefits of Shared iPad in Enterprise
- Cost Optimization
Enterprises can reduce hardware costs by deploying fewer devices while still catering
to multiple employees or teams.
- Enhanced User Experience
Each user gets a customized workspace, ensuring productivity without compromising
their individual needs.
- Secure Data Management
User data is isolated and securely stored on the device or synced to the iCloud,
preventing unauthorized access.
- Streamlined IT Management
Through Jamf Pro, IT administrators can centrally manage Shared iPads, ensuring
compliance, deploying apps, and configuring policies efficiently.
How Shared iPad Works in Enterprise
- Managed Apple Accounts
Employees can use Managed Apple Accounts created through Apple Business
Manager. These accounts enable personalized access to apps, files, and settings while
maintaining enterprise control.
2. Temporary Sessions
For environments like retail or healthcare where rapid turnover is common,
employees can use temporary sessions. These sessions allow access to tools without
requiring a Managed Apple Account, and no data persists after logout.
- Cloud Syncing
Data is seamlessly stored in iCloud, allowing employees to log into any Shared iPad
within the organization and access their data instantly.
Setting Up Shared iPad with Jamf Pro
Deploying Shared iPad with Jamf Pro involves the following steps:
- Device Preparation
Ensure iPads are compatible with Shared iPad functionality (e.g., iPad Pro, iPad Air 2
or later, with at least 32GB of storage). Devices must be supervised and enrolled
in Apple Business Manager.
- Configuration in Jamf Pro
o Create a configuration profile for Shared iPad settings.
o Specify the maximum number of users allowed on each device to optimize
storage usage.
o Deploy Managed Apple IDs through Apple Business Manager or allow
temporary session configurations.
- App and Policy Deployment
Use Jamf Pro to deploy required applications, security policies, and restrictions
tailored to the organization’s needs.
- Testing and Rollout
Conduct pilot testing to ensure configurations align with business workflows before
full-scale deployment.
Use Cases for Shared iPad in Enterprise
- Retail: Equip sales staff with Shared iPads for managing inventory, processing
transactions, or accessing training materials during shifts.
- Healthcare: Provide medical staff with secure access to patient records, scheduling
systems, and telehealth tools without assigning dedicated devices.
- Field Services: Empower field workers to log into any available iPad for accessing
job-specific tools, maps, and reports.
- Hospitality: Streamline guest services by allowing employees to access guest
management systems and service applications during shifts.
Best Practices for Implementing Shared iPad
- Plan for Storage
Allocate adequate storage per user to ensure smooth operation, especially in
environments with high user turnover.
- Establish User Guides
Educate employees on logging in and out to prevent device misuse or data sync
issues.
- Regular Maintenance
Periodically monitor device performance and storage usage to optimize
configurations.
- Leverage Jamf Pro Insights
Use Jamf Pro’s reporting features to track device usage, troubleshoot issues, and
refine Shared iPad deployments.
Conclusion
Apple’s Shared iPad, paired with the robust management capabilities of Jamf Pro, is
transforming how enterprises deploy and manage shared devices. By offering a secure,
personalized experience on shared hardware, organizations can reduce costs, enhance
productivity, and maintain data security.
As businesses continue to evolve, Shared iPad presents a scalable solution for empowering
employees across industries, ensuring they stay connected and productive without the need
for dedicated devices.
