VSA 10 MDM: Supervised vs. non-supervised devices

In the context of Apple MDM, devices can be categorized as either supervised or non-supervised. Each category offers different levels of control and management capabilities. VSA 10 supports both types, so it's important to understand their differences.

Supervised devices Non-supervised devices
Supervised devices are those with enhanced management capabilities granted by an organization, allowing comprehensive control over settings and applications. They are typically used with devices the organization owns. Non-supervised devices are usually personally owned and have opted into management with user consent, offering basic management features like software updates and security settings while maintaining more user privacy.
Features
  • Protected from factory reset.
  • AirDrop can be restricted.
  • Unenrollment from MDM is not possible.
  • Silent app installation is possible.
  • Web content can be filtered.
  • App notifications can be controlled.
  • Kiosk mode is supported.
  • Touch ID can be restricted.
  • iMessage can be restricted.
  • Home screen wallpaper and lock screen message can be configured.
  • AirDrop cannot be restricted.
  • Unenrollment from MDM is possible.
  • App installation requires confirmation.
  • Web content cannot be filtered.
  • App notifications cannot be filtered.
  • Kiosk mode is not supported.
  • Touch ID cannot be restricted.
  • iMessage cannot be restricted.

About supervised mode

Supervised mode provides more options to manage the device, such as restarting, shutting down, and enabling or disabling lost mode. The Play Lost Mode Sound will work only for supervised devices.

macOS devices are always supervised. iOS and iPadOS devices are supervised if they have been enrolled via USB with the Supervised option checked. You can find out if a device is supervised in the Asset Info section of the device details pane: