Shared iPads for Business was introduced by Apple with the iPadOS 13.4. Organizations like schools, healthcare institutions, logistics operations, etc., that require multiple users to login on a single iPad at different times based on their shifts or for specific tasks, can leverage the Shared iPad capability through Mobile Device Manager Plus.
Using the Share iPads feature, admins can create a separate workspace on the same device for each user. Users can login with their accounts during their session and log out once their task is done, thereby facilitating multiple users to use the same iPad.
This option can be enabled on devices that are enrolled into Apple Business Manager/Apple School Manager, or devices that have been added to DEP. The Shared iPad capability is supported for the following devices:
To enroll devices through ABM/ASM, refer the steps given in this document
Note:
Apple will limit the maximum storage per user for every device, based on the device's storage capability. For more information on how a shared iPad's storage is allocated per user, refer this document from Apple.
All the devices that are added to the ABM server with the Shared iPad option enabled, will be enrolled as Shared iPads.
Here are the available methods for managing storage allocation on a shared iPad. For more detailed instructions, Learn more.
The iPad automatically calculates and assigns storage space to each user based on the device's total capacity, accommodating up to 10 users.
You can set a specific limit on the number of users allowed on your Shared iPad. This divides the storage space equally among the set number of users. Once the limit is reached, no new users can log in until an existing user is removed.
Recommended for: Organizations with a consistent and fixed number of employees who work in shifts, such as healthcare facilities and retail stores.
You can set a maximum storage space for each user on a Shared iPad, defining their storage limit. This feature is ideal for schools and laboratories, ensuring efficient storage management and fair allocation for all users.
Recommended for: Public libraries to prevent individual users from monopolizing storage and to ensure equal access for all users.
If you're unsure about the best storage allocation settings, the default option is a good starting point. It automatically manages storage based on your iPad's capacity and the number of users. However, if you have specific needs, consider using either Maximum Resident Users or Storage Quota for more control.
Remember: Careful consideration of your environment and user needs will help you select the most suitable storage allocation method.
Since different users will be accessing a single device, signing in can be a tedious process, with different user credentials and passwords being used. Apple permits MDM solutions to integrate federated authentication with Entra ID(formerly Azure AD), to simplify user authentication for Shared iPads. Hence, users can login to a Shared device using their Azure credentials.
To use federated authentication for Shared iPads, the devices should be running on iPadOS 13.1 or higher. Follow the given steps to use federated authentication on Shared iPads:
Enabling this will allow users to sign in on Shared iPads using their Azure credentials.
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For a list of features that are supported for devices enrolled as Shared iPads, click here.
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