Automatic updating of iOS/iPadOS Kiosk

What

The New App Portal in FileWave 15.3.0 represents a significant upgrade designed to enhance the management and distribution of apps across iOS/iPadOS devices. This feature aims to simplify app deployment, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient process for administrators and end-users alike. By automatically installing the New App Portal on managed devices, FileWave ensures that users have access to the latest and most relevant applications required for their tasks, without the need for manual updates or installations.

When/Why

In order to simplify and ensure that the Kiosk is always current we have implemented a feature that will automatically handle the updates to the Kiosk so that you no longer need to worry about the .IPA on iOS or iPadOS.

How

FileWave 15.3.0 willintroduced automatic deployment and updating of the iOS/iPadOS Kiosk so administrators no longer needed to manually manage the older Kiosk .ipa workflow.

Starting with FileWave 16.3.0, there is an important change to how this works:

the iOS/iPadOS Kiosk is now delivered through the Apple App Store it is deployed as a VPP app the App Store app replaces the older Kiosk on managed devices when FileWave deploys it

App Store listing:

FileWave Kiosk on the Apple App Store

When/Why

This change aligns the iOS/iPadOS Kiosk deployment method with Apple's current best practices for managed app delivery.

It also brings FileWave in line with the way other MDM and UEM platforms typically deliver managed iOS and iPadOS applications.

The key operational difference is that administrators must now make sure the required App Store / VPP licenses exist in Apple School Manager (ASM) or Apple Business Manager (ABM) before moving to FileWave 16.3.0 or later.

How

FileWave 15.3.0 through 16.2.x

For FileWave 15.3.0 through 16.2.x:

FileWave automatically installinstalls the new AppKiosk Portal toon all managed iOS/iPadOS devices managed by FileWave. devices.

The Webclipweb toclip for the oldolder App Portal will beis removed from the devices.

Filesets of the previous native App Portal willare not beautomatically impactedremoved, byso this change, they will still be installed on associated devices. Administratorsadministrators can remove thesethose associations if they only want the newer Kiosk present.

New releases of the Kiosk are automatically deployed to keepmanaged onlyiOS/iPadOS devices.

FileWave 16.3.0 and later

For FileWave 16.3.0 and later:

the iOS/iPadOS Kiosk is deployed from the Apple App Store as a VPP app FileWave will push the install request for the new AppKiosk Portaland it will replace the older Kiosk on themanaged devices. devices administrators must ensure that enough free VPP licenses have been obtained in ASM/ABM before upgrading

Important preparation before upgrading to 16.3.0+

EveryBefore upcomingmoving releaseto FileWave 16.3.0 or later:

go to Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager acquire free licenses for FileWave Kiosk obtain licenses for more devices than are currently managed so normal growth does not create a shortage

Example:

if you manage 1000 devices, acquire something like 1500 licenses so you do not unexpectedly run over the available count

If sufficient licenses are not available in ASM/ABM, deployment of the new AppKiosk Portal willcan be automaticallydelayed deployedor toblocked.

all

TCC / Notifications profile update

If you currently deploy a configuration profile that allows notifications for Kiosk, review it before or during your FileWave 16.3.0 transition.

The new iOS/iPadOS devices.Kiosk app uses this bundle identifier:

com.filewave.ios.app.kiosk3

If your notification-related profile or any other app-specific payload references the older Kiosk bundle identifier, update it to match the new app.

Related Content

• Setting the Primary Colour, Name and Logo in Kiosk/App Portal (16.0+)
  
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