Every year, WWDC signals where the Apple ecosystem is headed, and this year, the message was loud and clear for IT and security leaders: Declarative management isn’t just the future. It’s the NOW.
To begin with, Apple’s move to year-based naming—iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 (Tahoe)—signals a more unified, synced-up evolution across its platforms. One ecosystem, one version number, moving forward together.
Let’s unpack what matters for us in the enterprise world:
1. Declarative Management becomes the default
Apple is officially sunsetting command-based MDM for software updates. With full declarative support across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS, enforcement is now policy-driven and real-time.
At Scalefusion, this aligns with our approach to modern management: proactive, transparent, and autonomous. Our roadmap expects deeper support for declarative workflows, with added visibility and zero-touch enforcement for updates across fleets.
2. Return to Service gets supercharged
Return to Service just leveled up, especially for Vision Pro. Devices can now erase user data while preserving app binaries, cutting provisioning time dramatically. That’s a game changer for shift-based healthcare, education, or frontline work deployments.
This ties beautifully into our mission to reduce IT burden while enhancing end-user experience. Automation should never mean compromise, and Apple’s latest improvements prove that.
3. Apple Intelligence… but on YOUR terms
Apple Intelligence introduces incredible generative features, but enterprise readiness does mean being able to control it well. Apple’s fine-grained restrictions for Genmoji, Smart Replies, Math Notes, and even ChatGPT integrations are a thoughtful step.
At Scalefusion, we’ll help our customers navigate this AI wave responsibly, ensuring organizations can balance innovation with compliance and data security.
4. Platform SSO just became the new GOLD standard
Apple has removed the friction from SSO onboarding. From Tap-to-Login using Apple Wallet credentials to Attested Guest Mode for shared Macs, it’s clear Apple is leaning into hardware-backed identity.
This is huge for enterprises focused on Zero Trust. As MDM providers, we need to make these identity-first workflows seamless to deploy, especially for regulated industries.
5. MDM migration, finally, without the wipe
Re-enrolling a device into a new MDM used to be a nightmare. Now, Apple supports guided migration with a deadline, user prompts, and app/data preservation when possible.
This opens the door for easier transitions, whether you’re consolidating tools post-acquisition or moving to a platform like Scalefusion. Migration doesn’t have to mean disruption anymore.
While we’re at it…
Apple just dropped a wave of smart, sleek updates across its platforms, and there’s a lot to like.
Breaking barriers
Live translation now works right inside calls, FaceTime, and messages—so language barriers? Basically gone. AI is stepping up too, with new features like Call Screening, Hold Assist, and Voicemail Summaries that make dealing with calls way less of a chore.
The U in the UI shines
The Liquid Glass is easily the slickest UI update in years. Think translucent layers, frosted blur, soft refractions, all rolled out across iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, and even visionOS. It’s inspired by the Vision Pro vibe and straight out of Apple’s Industrial Design labs, giving everything a sense of depth and polish that actually feels… alive.
This isn’t just a new coat of paint. It’s a full-on design reset, the boldest shift since iOS 7. You’ll spot it in the new Camera icon, Control Center, menus, widgets, and folders. Everything finally looks and feels like it belongs together, no matter which device you’re on.
This consistency makes a real difference. Setup’s easier, switching between devices is smoother, and support headaches? Way less likely. On macOS Tahoe, you’ve got transparent windows, customizable folders, and a smarter Phone app with AI baked in.
iPadOS is getting real multitasking power with windowing and background tasks, while watchOS adds an AI Workout Coach, live translation, and a Notes app. Even visionOS steps it up with widget placement and accessory support.
Bottom line: Apple’s ecosystem just got way more unified, way more fluid, and yes, way more fun to use.
Final thoughts
At Scalefusion, we’re already working to integrate and support many of these capabilities, especially around declarative updates, managed Apple Intelligence, and much more.
WWDC 2025 confirms what we’ve believed: great device management is invisible, intelligent, and deeply integrated into the platform. And that’s the experience we strive to deliver to our customers every day.
Let’s build what’s next.
