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Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management

Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management

Written By Anoop C Nair
Last Updated March 10, 2026
Posted In Intune
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Key Takeaways

  • Apple deprecated legacy MDM software update commands in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.
  • Microsoft Intune will soon stop supporting legacy Apple software update policies.
  • Organizations must use Declarative Device Management (DDM) to manage Apple software updates.
  • DDM improves device autonomy, reliability, and reporting for update management.

In this post we are discussing the Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management. Apple has introduced changes to how software updates are managed on its devices, affecting organizations that use device management tools. With the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, Apple has officially deprecated legacy mobile device management (MDM) software update commands and payloads.

Table of Contents

Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management

This change also impacts organizations using Microsoft Intune to manage Apple devices. Because Apple is removing support for older update mechanisms, Intune will soon stop supporting the creation of legacy software update policies for Apple devices.

Why Apple Is Deprecating MDM Update Policies

Apple is moving from the older method of managing software updates through traditional MDM commands. In the legacy system, the management server had to send update commands to devices and keep checking their status. This process could sometimes cause delays or in consistencies when updates were applied.

  • With the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, Apple is removing these legacy update methods.
  • Instead, organizations are encouraged to use Declarative Device Management (DDM).
Applies to
iOS/iPadOS
macOS
Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Table.1

Deprecated iOS/iPadOS Updates in Intune

The below screenshot shows the iOS/iPadOS updates (deprecated) section in the Microsoft Intune admin center. This page was previously used by administrators to create and manage software update policies for iOS and iPadOS devices. To check this, go to the Devices> iOS/iPadOS.

Patch My PC
Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.1
Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.1

When you click on the iOS/iPadOS then open the update policies for the iOS/iPadOS. Apple deprecating legacy mobile device management update commands in upcoming OS versions, these update policies are now marked as deprecated in Intune. Organizations will need to move to Declarative Device Management (DDM) to continue managing software updates on Apple devices.

Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.2
Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.2

Declarative Device Management

Apple is removing support for legacy update commands, Microsoft Intune will also stop supporting the creation of legacy iOS/iPadOS and macOS update policies. Organizations that manage Apple devices using Intune will need to configure update policies using the DDM model. This change will make sure that devices can still receive and install updates even after Apple removes support for the older management method.

Deprecated macOS Updates in Intune

In the below you can see that the Deprecated macOS Updates in Intune. This update was earlier used by administrators to configure and manage update policies for macOS devices. To get this page you have to go to Devices> macOS >Open the update policies for the macOS.

Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.3
Apple Deprecates Legacy MDM Updates as Intune Shifts to Declarative Device Management -Fig.3

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Author

Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP for 10 consecutive years from 2015 onwards. He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.

Written by

Anoop C Nair is Workplace Technology solution architect with 25+ years of experience in global enterprise organizations such as JP Morgan, Capgemini, etc. Microsoft Certified Trainer. Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for consecutive 11+ years! He also conducts Intune and modern workplace tech training for enterprise organizations. He is Blogger, Speaker, and Founder of HTMD Community and HTMD Conference. His main focus is on Device Management technologies like Intune, Windows, Cloud PC. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security.

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