Migrating hundreds of Apple devices to a new MDM can feel like walking a tightrope; one wrong move and apps, settings, or critical data could be lost.
Apple’s OS 26 updates are designed to make this migration smoother, safer, and faster, giving IT teams the charge they need without disrupting end users.
With Apple OS 26 and Scalefusion, your devices can move seamlessly, your data stays intact, and your team can focus on strategy instead of firefighting.
Discover how it works.
Apple’s big shift in OS 26
Apple has now simplified the migration capability in ABM/ASM for devices running iOS/iPadOS/macOS 26, letting admins reassign devices from one MDM server to another without forcing users to factory-reset their iPhone or iPad. Admins can pick devices in ABM/ASM, assign them to the new MDM, set an enrollment deadline, and monitor migration status from the portal. If users don’t act, the system can enforce the migration.
New migration features that matter
1. Role-based migration control with enforced deadlines – Admins, Device Enrollment Managers, and (for schools) Site Managers can set re-enrollment deadlines, track migration status in ABM/ASM, and enforce migration if deadlines are missed. Enforcement triggers a restart on iOS/iPadOS or a non-dismissible full-screen prompt on macOS.
2. User notifications and offline device handling – End users receive escalating re-enrollment reminders, with offline devices prompted to connect manually. This ensures timely compliance without heavy IT intervention.
3. Preserving app data and security settings – During migration, iOS/iPadOS devices retain apps and data if the same apps are delivered by the new MDM. Activation Lock management and bypass codes seamlessly transfer to the new server, while macOS devices automatically sync existing FileVault recovery keys.
4. No factory reset required for iOS/iPadOS migration – iPhones and iPads can be moved to a new MDM solution via ABM/ASM without factory resets, enabling smooth transitions with minimal disruption.
What to check before you press go
- Make sure devices are added to Apple Business Manager / Apple School Manager and are supervised.
- Confirm they’re running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS 26 or later.
- Prepare new enrollment profiles, policies, apps, and configuration profiles in Scalefusion.
- Map app licenses (VPP) and security keys like FileVault/Activation Lock, so access isn’t lost during the switch.
Scaling your migration to Scalefusion: A step-by-step guide
Apple’s OS 26 makes migration easier than ever, and with Scalefusion, it’s practically effortless. Devices are reassigned in ABM/ASM, users get clear prompts to re-enroll, and enrollment is automatically enforced if needed — all without wiping iPhones or iPads. Macs transition seamlessly too, keeping FileVault keys and settings intact. Users keep their apps and data, while IT stays in command with real-time monitoring and compliance tracking.
For a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, check out our detailed help doc.
Business wins you can expect
- Lower migration cost: fewer manual resets and less IT time.
- Better end-user experience: less downtime, fewer lost settings, fewer support calls.
- Faster compliance: centrally enforced deadlines get the fleet over the line quickly.
- Maintained security: Activation Lock and recovery keys are handled during migration, not after.
Keep devices, apps, and data intact with Scalefusion
Migrating to a new MDM doesn’t have to be disruptive anymore. With Apple’s OS 26 changes and Scalefusion’s support for ABM/ASM and Automated Device Enrollment, your Apple devices can shift smoothly — without factory resets, lost apps, or broken security settings.
Scalefusion Apple MDM ensures devices stay compliant, users stay productive, and IT teams spend less time firefighting and more time focusing on strategy.
Switch to Scalefusion with zero disruption.
Keep your apps, data, and security settings intact — without resets or downtime.
