Apple Content Caching service

What

Apple Content Caching is a macOS service that stores Apple-distributed software, apps, and supported iCloud content locally so nearby Apple devices can download it from the cache instead of pulling the same content from Apple each time. For FileWave-managed fleets, this can reduce internet traffic during OS updates, app updates, and Apple app/VPP deployments.

When/Why

Use a Mac on the same network as the devices it should serve. Apple recommends a Mac with a wired Ethernet connection for best performance. Client devices discover an available content cache automatically; they do not need a FileWave client setting for the cache.

How

When a managed device requests an OS update, an App Store app, or another Apple-hosted asset, Apple can direct it to a registered local content cache. The first request downloads the asset to the caching Mac. Later devices on the network can receive that asset from the local cache, reducing WAN usage and download time.

Related Content

• Intro to content caching – Apple Support (UK)
• macOS User Guide – Apple Support (UK)
• Set up content caching on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Digging Deeper

Content Caching stores its configuration in this file:

/Library/Preferences/com.apple.AssetCache.plist

Use this Custom Field code to report whether Content Caching is enabled. It returns Boolean 0 (False) or 1 (True):

defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.AssetCache.plist Activated

A Custom Settings payload can enable Content Caching by setting Activated to true in the com.apple.AssetCache domain: