Delaying iOS and macOS Updates

Jamf Now gives you the ability to delay operating system updates on iPad, iPhone, and Mac for a period of time ranging from 5 to 90 days.

This feature is a critical tool for Jamf Now administrators who want to leave time between general availability of a new iOS or macOS version and deployment to their teams, most commonly to allow for pre-deployment testing.

During the delay, the new version of iOS or macOS will not appear as available on end user devices. After the set period of time is past, the new operating system version will appear as available and end users can update their operating system.

Requirements

Supervision is required.

  1. Log in to Jamf Now.
  2. Click Blueprints.
  3. Open the Blueprint you want to add this feature to, or create a new Blueprint.
  4. Click Restrictions.
  5. Click the OS Updates payload.
  6. Choose how long to delay updates for devices assigned to this Blueprint.
    Note:

    The delay length you choose indicates the number of days to delay after that operating system is generally available from Apple. For example, if iOS 12.x is available on 2019-01-01, and you have "Delay OS Updates" set to five days, that operating system will not appear as an available update on any end user devices assigned to that Blueprint until six days after the release. So on 2019-01-06, all end users would be able to initiate the update.

    Screenshot of a Blueprint, highlighting the Restrictions section, with Delay OS Updates selected for 30 days.

  7. Click Save Changes.