Apple School Manager (ASM)

Apple School Manager (ASM) is a free web-based portal from Apple that enables educational institutions to centrally manage their Apple devices, Managed Apple IDs, as well as learning apps and digital content. Like Apple Business Manager for enterprises, ASM is not a standalone MDM solution but the foundation on which an MDM solution in the education sector builds. The portal combines the functions of the former Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and Volume Purchase Program (VPP) in a single platform.

The centerpiece of ASM is Automated Device Enrollment. Devices procured for a school through Apple or authorized resellers appear automatically in the portal and are connected directly to the linked MDM solution at first boot. At the same time, ASM enables the assignment of Managed Apple IDs for teachers and pupils, through which access to Apple services such as iCloud, Apple Schoolwork, and Shared iPad is managed — without the need for personal Apple accounts.

A typical use case involves school authorities delivering several hundred iPads to schools simultaneously. Thanks to ASM, devices are fully configured at first boot, equipped with the correct apps, and assigned to the relevant class or teacher — without the IT department having to handle each device individually. The reuse of devices at the end of the school year is also considerably simplified, as app licenses can be reassigned centrally.

A key advantage of ASM over conventional setup models is complete control over school content and accounts. Since all Managed Apple IDs remain the property of the educational institution, pupils do not lose access to school data when they change or leave, and conversely the school retains full control over licenses, configurations, and device content at all times.

Apple School Manager delivers its full value when combined with an MDM solution that takes over the ongoing configuration and policy enforcement in everyday school use on this basis. For organizations outside the education sector, Apple Business Manager fulfills the same function and can equally be connected seamlessly with an MDM solution.