4 things to help you get the most out of iOS 9.3

With the release of iOS 9.3, now is the time to consider how these new education features will fit into your school’s technology plan. To make implementation easier and more efficient, here are four things that will help you take full advantage of Apple’s new classroom capabilities.

1. Evaluate iPad environment
Which iPad deployment model does your district support? 1:1, shared, or a combination of both? Consider which model you’re planning on implementing for the next school year and how you’ll be utilizing the new capabilities of iOS 9.3. Enhancements will be available for both Shared iPad and 1:1 deployments. Here are a few of the benefits of each model:

• 1:1 deployments ensure unlimited access to personalized learning apps and resources
• Shared iPad offers a personalized experience with shared devices
• New Classroom app component of iOS 9.3 helps teachers guide their class through lessons and make transitions a breeze—great for both Shared iPad and 1:1

2. Apple ID strategy
With the release of Apple School Manager and Managed Apple IDs, there’s no better time than now to review your Apple ID strategy. Soon, schools will be able to create Managed IDs for students, teachers, and staff through Apple School Manager. Your School will need to decide which students will keep their existing (unmanaged) Apple IDs and which will receive new Managed Apple IDs. Note that if you plan to implement Shared iPad, Managed Apple IDs are required.

3. App assessment
App developers have the option to opt-in to support the new Shared iPad functionality with iOS 9.3. Contact app developers to ensure all the apps you use for your students will support the new functionality. Carefully review which cloud services your apps are using as well, and how much local data storage is required for each app. This preparation will ensure a smooth transition into the new iOS 9.3 functionality, as well as to Shared iPad.

4. Get supervised and managed
Many of the new features in iOS 9.3—such as Classroom app and Lost Mode—require your iOS devices be supervised and managed by a mobile device management (MDM) server like the Casper Suite.

Already using the Casper Suite?

First, check your inventory to make sure all your iOS devices are currently running iOS 9 or later. Also make sure you’ve updated to the latest version of the Casper Suite. You can then use the Casper Suite to update the iPads in your district and get started with the new features as soon as your school is ready. Join the conversation with your peers on JAMF Nation to connect, post questions, and find discussion threads related to the iOS 9.3 update.

New to the Casper Suite?

Now is the time to implement Casper Suite so you can ensure you're getting the most out of the iOS 9.3 release. Start here with a product demo to see what the Casper Suite can do or request a personalized demo from one of our product experts.

Support for new iOS 9.3 capabilities are now available in beta to Casper Suite customers through JAMF Nation. iOS 9.3 full feature support will be generally available on March 31st.