Updating the OS on supervised iOS devices
You can use MobileIron Core to update the operating system on supervised iOS devices running iOS 10.3 through the most recently released version of iOS as supported by MobileIron. Devices do not need to be unlocked for the OS update to succeed.
| NOTE: | In the case of devices running up to iOS 10.2.1, you can successfully execute the Update OS Software command only if the devices are both supervised and managed by the Apple School Manager or the Apple Business Manager. |
MobileIron Core presents different update options depending on whether you select only one supervised iOS device or multiple supervised iOS devices.
Updating the OS on multiple supervised iOS devices
Before you begin
Be sure you have configured your iOS software update policy. See Configuring iOS andmacOS software updates.
Procedure
- Go to Devices & Users> Devices.
- Select the devices whose operating system you wish to update.
-
Select Actions > iOS and macOS > Update OS Software.
A confirmation dialog box opens.
-
Click Confirm.
MobileIron Core sends the OS update command to devices. Core shows the status of the command in the Update OS Software window.
- Click OK.
Updating the OS on a single supervised iOS devices
Procedure
- Go to Devices & Users > Devices.
- Select the one device whose operating system you wish to update.
-
Select Actions > iOS and macOS > Update OS Software.
The Update OS Software dialog box opens.
- Select one of the following:
- Update to the latest iOS Version available
- Select this option to update the device with the latest iOS version that the device supports.
- Click Confirm.
- Scan for updates and choose the version based on available iOS versions
- Click Continue.
- The Update OS Software window displays, showing the possible iOS versions to update the device to if a scan had already been done. If no scan had been done, or if you want an up-to-date scan, click Scan for Updates. Because a scan can take a long time, you can close the window, and return to it later to see the results and the date of the scan.
- The Update OS Software window displays, showing the possible iOS versions to update the device to if a scan had already been done. If no scan had been done, or if you want an up-to-date scan, click Scan for Updates. Because a scan can take a long time, you can close the window, and return to it later to see the results and the date of the scan.
- Select the iOS version you want.
Click Confirm.
This option is useful if you have used the iOS restriction setting to delay iOS updates. For example, consider the scenario in which you delayed iOS updates to confirm that iOS 11.4 meets your needs. While running your tests, iOS 11.4.1 and iOS 12 release. This option allows you to make sure the device updates only to iOS 11.4.
- Update with the specific iOS Product Version
- Enter the iOS version number, such as 11.4.1 for example, that you want to update the device to.
- Click Confirm.
What the device user sees during software upgrade
After a new iOS is released, the iOS device checks and becomes aware that a new version of iOS software is available. If the device is locked with a passcode, the next time the device is unlocked, the device is able to begin to download the new iOS in the background without device user notification. After the download, on the Software Update screen, there is an indication that new version of iOS has been downloaded and the device user has the option to “Install Now”. If the device user taps "Later", the Software Update will keep requesting to install the update. After 3-4 attempts to install the new iOS software upgrade, no more deferring of the software update will be allowed. The user is required to input their passcode and that passcode is saved and used to update the device.