Apple Inc.
Updating to iOS 10 is pretty simple for end users, though it's not a breeze for IT teams, which might have to update hundreds of devices. Apple Configurator 2 can help.
By
Jesus Vigo | September 30, 2016, 10:58 AM PST
Apple Configurator 2, the Apple-provided application that allows for mass configuration of iOS-based devices, offers the right blend of user experience and powerful management features to simplify the deployment process for any SMB or enterprise environment. I'll show you how to configure iOS devices for iOS 10 with Apple Configurator 2.
SEE:
Screenshots: A complete roundup of new iOS 10 featuresRequirements
Apple computer running OS X 10.11.5 or
newer
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At least one iOS-based device
At least one USB charging cable for your iOS device
Powered USB hub (only required if updating multiple iOS devices at the same time)
Administrative credentials
Update to iOS 10 using Apple Configurator 2
1. Launch the Apple Configurator 2.app and click the Get Started button to access the main screen (Figure A).
Figure A
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2. Power on and connect your iOS device via the USB charging cable to an open USB port or an optional USB hub. The app will detect the model of the iOS device and provide the device name once it's fully connected. If multiple devices are connected at once, they will be displayed onscreen, and a badge will appear with the number of devices ready for configuration (Figure B).
Figure B
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3. Highlight all the devices you wish to update and click the Update button in the toolbar. This will query Apple's database to locate the latest versions of iOS supported for each device and compare them to the database (Figure C) (Figure D).
Figure C
Image: Jesus Vigo/TechRepublic
Figure D
Image: Jesus Vigo/TechRepublic
4. After clicking the Update button when prompted, click the Accept button to agree to Apple's Licensing Terms (Figure E).
Figure E
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5. Apple Configurator 2 will begin to download the latest versions of iOS and save them to the computer. As the download completes, the update process will begin for the devices connected (Figure F) (Figure G).
Figure F
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Figure G
Image: Jesus Vigo/TechRepublic
6. The download process will depend on your internet speeds from your ISP; however, the upgrade process takes about 20 minutes on average, and multiple devices can be upgraded at the same time from the same IPSW firmware file.
When installation is complete, the device will reboot before reconnecting to Apple Configurator 2 again. This is normal operating procedure, and the screen may change to reflect a disconnect during this brief time (Figure H).
Figure H
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7. When the iOS device has been successfully updated, you will be required to unlock the device once to finalize the process. You may not disconnect your newly updated iOS device (Figure I).
Figure I
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With the basic update process completed, you'll find that Apple Configurator 2 has a lot more to offer when deploying specific configuration sets using Blueprints or preparing devices to be securely managed or supervised either manually or Over-the-Air (OTA) using
Mobile Device Management (MDM) servers.
