Shared device management solutions for iOS and iPadOS using Microsoft Intune

This blog will guide you through the various management types available in Intune for handling iOS and iPadOS devices in shared mode. Shared device models are being increasingly adopted in various environments, such as manufacturing centers and educational institutions, mainly because they significantly cut down hardware costs.

Shared devices are organization-owned multi-user systems that can serve specialized or general purposes as needed in each environment. These devices empower frontline workers in healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and other sectors to access critical applications and tools vital to their organizational roles. In educational settings, shared devices function as learning aids or platforms for test-taking in classrooms.

Intune supports two types of solution

1. Shared iPads

2. Shared Device Mode

   
   

What is Shared iPads ?

As indicated by the name, these devices are used by multiple users. Each individual has their own customized space, making it seem like a personal device. Information is stored locally and synced to their iCloud account, enabling access to their data when they log into any other shared iPad. Each user receives a personalized environment with unique data, apps, and settings, ensuring privacy and security through user-level data isolation. To understand or learn more about shared iPad, you can read this article https://www.cloudtekspace.com/post/configure-shared-ipad-using-microsoft-intune

What is Shared Device Mode ?

This type functions on a session-by-session basis, with data being erased after each session, making it perfect for settings like kiosks or frontline workers, where one device is shared by multiple users. In this mode, users do not possess personal profiles on the device. The device is cleared of any session data when a user logs out, ensuring each session begins as new. The experience resembles logging into a public workstation. For more information on configuring a shared device mode, visit my blog at https://www.cloudtekspace.com/post/sign-up-using-microsoft-entra-shared-mode.

Shared ipad vs Shared Device Mode

Feature	Shared iPad	Shared Device Mode
Platform	iOS/iPadOS	Android & iOS/iPadOS
Target Users	Ideal for education or retail environments	Ideal for frontline workers or kiosks
User Experience	Personalized per user with Apple ID	Session-based, no persistent user profiles
Data Persistence	Data is preserved for each user	Data is wiped after each session
Privacy	Data separation between users	No data retention between sessions
Device Management	Managed through Apple School/Business Manager	Managed through Intune
Security	Supports encryption and data separation	System-level management, wiped after each use

Shared iPad does not support the following Conditional Access configurations:

• Granting Conditional Access policies that mandate an approved client app, an app protection policy, per-device terms of use, or device compliance is not supported with Shared iPad.

• Conditional Access policies that apply device-based filters.

Conclusion

In summary, if you need a solution that enables users to save their data and work and access it from the same or different devices, opting for a shared iPad is advisable. However, if you prefer a solution where the device is shared but user data is not saved and is removed upon sign-out, then selecting the shared device mode is suitable.