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 
  

1. Cost Optimization 

Enterprises can reduce hardware costs by deploying fewer devices while still catering 

to multiple employees or teams. 

2. Enhanced User Experience 

Each user gets a customized workspace, ensuring productivity without compromising 

their individual needs. 

3. Secure Data Management 

User data is isolated and securely stored on the device or synced to the iCloud, 

preventing unauthorized access. 

4. 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 

1. 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. 

3. 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: 

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. App and Policy Deployment 
   Use Jamf Pro to deploy required applications, security policies, and restrictions 

tailored to the organization’s needs. 

4. 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 

1. Plan for Storage 

Allocate adequate storage per user to ensure smooth operation, especially in 

environments with high user turnover. 

2. Establish User Guides 

Educate employees on logging in and out to prevent device misuse or data sync 

issues. 
  

3. Regular Maintenance 

Periodically monitor device performance and storage usage to optimize 

configurations. 
  

4. 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.