Deploying macOS updates in MaaS360

Information on how to deploy software updates and security patches to macOS devices from the MaaS360® Portal.

MaaS360 allows you to remotely push software updates security patches using the Push macOS Update action directly from the device summary page and device groups. You can choose to update devices to a specific macOS version from the available options in the IBM® MaaS360 Portal.
Note: This feature requires the macOS agent version 2.41 or later.
Advantages of deploying macOS updates from the IBM MaaS360 Portal
  • You can easily filter devices that are not running the latest macOS version and deploy the latest software update to those devices.
  • The device history page allows you to monitor the update status of macOS devices. This feature enables you to track the progress of updates and identify devices that may require attention or further action.
  • You can use device groups to update devices either to a specific macOS version or to the latest version applicable to each device model.
  • You can track whether an OS patch is available for a specific device from the device details page.
Note: MaaS360 does not install the macOS version if the selected software version is incompatible with the device model or if the device is already running a newer software version.

Creating a smart device group

You can filter devices with pending patch or macOS updates and create a smart device group through advanced search.

Follow these steps to create a smart device group:

  1. Go to Devices > Advanced Search.
  2. Use the following search criteria:
    Search criteria
    Missing OS Patches Patch Name Contains <10.15.7>
    Note: If you are unsure of the update version, use the keyword security or update.
  3. Click Search. The Search Results page is displayed.
  4. Click Create New Device Group. The Device Group Details window is displayed.
  5. Provide details about the new device group, including the name, description, and whether the group is public or private, and then click Save.

Deploying macOS updates to multiple devices

You can push macOS updates to multiple devices through device groups and user groups.

Follow these steps to deploy macOS updates to a group:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Go to Users > Groups.
    • Go to Devices > Groups.
  2. Hover over the More option below the group name and then select Push macOS Update.
    macOS group action
    The Push macOS Update window is displayed.
    macos action
    If the update is unavailable, the following message is displayed:
    Update unavailable
  3. Provide the following details:
    Setting Description
    Select OS version Select the macOS version that you want to update your device to. MaaS360 displays a static list that is based on the software versions currently supported by Apple.
    Maximum deferral duration The period of time that users can delay the installation after the OS update command is issued to the device. After this period, the update is forcefully installed on the devices.
  4. Click Submit.

Deploying macOS updates to an individual device

You can also deploy macOS updates to an individual device from the device details page.

Follow these steps to deploy a macOS update to an individual device:

  1. From the MaaS360 Home page, navigate to Devices > Inventory. The Device Inventory page is displayed.
  2. Open the details view of the macOS device and then select Summary > Missing OS Patches to view the software updates that are available for that device.
    Check for software update
  3. If a software update is available, select More > Push macOS Update.
    Note: The Push macOS Update button is unavailable if the macOS update is unavailable for the device.
    Push macOS update button
    The Push macOS Update window is displayed.
  4. Select the macOS version that you want to update your device to. MaaS360 displays the list of supported OS versions and Rapid Security Responses (patch versions).
    Note: The list of macOS versions displayed here is based on the device's current macOS version and model number.
When the macOS update command reaches the device, the following notification is displayed:
macOS updates available

Tracking the status of a macOS update

You can track the status of a macOS update in the device history page after the OS update command is pushed to target devices.
macOS update history