Deploying iOS Applications to macOS Devices Using FileWave

What

With the latest updates to FileWave 15.5.0, administrators now have the capability tocan associate iOS applicationapp filesetsFilesets with compatible macOS devices. ThisIf meansApple allows the app to run on Mac and your organization has available licenses in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, FileWave can install that if an application is compatible with both iOS and macOS platforms, it can be installedapp on macOS devices directly through FileWave, provided that the necessary licenses are available. This new functionality simplifies the deployment process and expands the range of applications that can be distributed to end-users oneligible macOS devices.

When/Why

When to Use

ThisUse featurethis when an iOS/iPadOS app is particularlyalso usefulavailable whenfor youMac, haveoften applicationsbecause thatthe arevendor designedships to run on both iOS and macOS platforms—knownit as a Universal appsapp or Catalyst apps.app. TheseAssociating applications are built to operate seamlessly across Apple’s ecosystem. By associatingthe iOS applicationapp filesetsFileset with macOS devices,devices youlets can:you:

• Expand Applicationapp Availabilityavailability: Provide usersa withMac-compatible accessiOS app to ausers wideron rangesupported of applications that were previously limited to iOS devices.Macs.
• StreamlineReuse Deploymentthe existing assignment workflow: Manage andthe deployapp applications to both iOS and macOS devices using a single fileset, reducing administrative overhead.

Maintain Consistency: Ensure that users have a consistent experience across different devices by providingthrough the same applicationsiOS onapp bothFileset platforms.instead of building a separate macOS package. Keep app access consistent: Offer the same app to users who move between iPad and Mac workflows, when the vendor supports that use case.

Why This Feature Matters

Apple’sApple introductionsilicon ofMacs macOS versions that support iOS applications (starting withrunning macOS 11 Big Sur onor Applelater Siliconcan devices)run hassupported blurrediPhone and iPad apps when the linesapp betweendeveloper theallows twoMac operatingavailability. systems.In LeveragingFileWave, this capability within FileWave allowsmeans organizations to:can:

• MaximizeUse Resourceavailable Utilizationapp licenses: UtilizeAssign existingeligible iOS applicationapp licenses forto compatible macOS devices, optimizing licensing costs.Macs.
• EnhanceSupport Productivitymixed Apple fleets: Equip users with essential applications regardless ofMake the devicesame theysupported areapp using.available across iPad and Mac where the vendor permits it.
• SimplifyTrack Managementdeployment from FileWave: CentralizeMonitor applicationinstallation managementthrough forFileWave iOSinstead andof macOStreating devices,the makingMac itinstall easieras toa trackseparate deploymentsmanual and updates.process.

How

Prerequisites

Before deploying iOS applications to macOS devices, ensure the following conditions are met:

• Compatible macOS Devicesdevices: Devices must be running macOS 11 Big Sur or later and be equipped withon Apple Silicon (M1 chip or newer), which supports running iOS applications.silicon.
• Compatible Applicationsapplications: The iOSiOS/iPadOS applicationapp must be available onfor Mac. If the developer has disabled Mac Appavailability, StoreFileWave andcannot compatibleforce withthe macOSapp devices.to install on macOS.
• Licenses: Sufficient licenses must be available for the application through Apple School Manager (ASM) or Apple Business Manager (ABM).

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

• License Availabilityavailability: EnsureMake that there aresure enough licenses availableare for the deployment.available. If licenses are exhausted, the applicationapp will not install on additional devices.
• Deployment Statusstatus: Use the FileWave Admin consoleCentral to monitor the deployment status and confirm successful installations.installation.
• Compatibility Issuesissues: If the applicationapp fails to install, verifyconfirm that itthe app is indeedavailable compatiblefor with macOS devicesMac and that the device meets all systemApple's requirements. If itthe doesapp install,installs but iswill unablenot to open thenopen, the app itselfvendor needsmay anneed to update from the publisher to run on macOS. In testing, the Tesla app didn'tfor work,macOS but the TezLab app did launch although both apps installed. compatibility.

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