what's the best way to manage Mac OS updates

To manage macOS updates effectively, Apple has introduced several new features and tools, particularly for organizations using Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager. Here are the key points:

1. New Software Update Settings Configuration:

   • This new configuration replaces all legacy MDM software update management commands, profiles, and restrictions.
   • It can be used on supervised devices with macOS 15 or later to manage all aspects of software updates.
   • It includes features like changing notification behavior to show notifications only 1 hour before enforcement times in the restart countdown and managing beta updates.

2. Beta Program Management:

   • Organizations can now manage public or AppleSeed for IT beta program participation more easily.
   • Devices can be added to the beta program at any time using an organization token, and the user does not need to be signed into settings with an Apple account.
   • Beta releases can be enforced and deferred on supervised devices, and a declarative status report provides increased visibility.

3. Phased Rollout Approach:

   • Organizations can implement a phased testing and rollout approach for updates, starting right from the first beta release.
   • Extensive details for software update management are provided in the new software update documentation available from AppleSeed for IT.

4. Automated Device Enrollment:

   • Automated device enrollment is available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, and it ensures devices are ready to be managed without physical interaction.
   • This feature is also coming to Apple Vision Pro with VisionOS 2.0.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the session "What’s new in device management" at the 06:58 timestamp.