OS upgrades 2025: education

Each new Apple software update brings powerful enhancements for both iPad and Mac learning experiences. The new iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 are packed with features primed for the classroom — but to unlock their full potential without interruption, schools need a partner. That’s where Jamf steps in.

iPadOS 26: tools that fuel learning

Next-generation handwriting and math tools

Expanded handwriting conversion and math solving simplifies how students work out problems, integrate with Apple Pencil and iterate on ideas in real time.

Why it matters: Teachers can focus on assessing understanding instead of deciphering handwriting, and students get immediate, accurate feedback to improve their work.

Smarter notes and Smart Script

Handwritten notes are now rewritten more clearly, with formatting and corrections that retain student style while enhancing accuracy.

Why it matters: Neater, more legible notes support students with different learning needs and make it easier to share and review work across the class.

Control Center and Home Screen customization

Students and educators can now tailor shortcuts and layouts to surface essential tools at their fingertips, minimizing distractions and maximizing productivity.

Why it matters: This empowers students to create learning-friendly device setups, reducing time lost navigating menus and keeping focus on lesson content.

Accessibility and privacy advances

Eye tracking, live audio transcription and refined privacy options ensure inclusive, secure and distraction-free learning environments.

Why it matters: All students, regardless of learning style or ability, can access resources equally while keeping their personal information safe.

macOS 26: Mac upgrades that matter

Unified Apple Intelligence across devices

From contextual writing support to smarter system-wide assistance, AI is more deeply integrated into everyday workflows.

Why it matters: Students can refine essays, summarize research and brainstorm ideas more efficiently, while teachers benefit from quicker content preparation.

Seamless continuity and window management

Dragging between iPad and Mac is smoother than ever, and macOS now offers smarter window tiling and organization features.

Why it matters: Educators can move between marking on iPad and preparing resources on Mac without workflow friction, saving time in busy schedules.

Enhanced system extensibility

Critical security extensions like Jamf Protect remain non-removable, safeguarded by updated system policies.

Why it matters: Schools maintain a consistent, protected environment even after major updates, preventing accidental or malicious tampering.

Simplified set up for Platform SSO

macOS 26 allows PSSO to be configured as the very first step during Automated Device Enrollment, ensuring users automatically authenticate through your institution’s identity provider during initial setup.

Why it matters: Eliminates account set up friction for students and staff and streamlines device rollout across shared or classroom-managed deployments.

Device management and security enhancements for education

Mobile device management migration without device wipe

Schools can now move devices to a new MDM provider without wiping or manual re-enrollment.

Why it matters: Enables platform upgrades without downtime, keeping learning on track. This is a real benefit to schools using loan devices or for teachers who may not have devices always assigned to them.

Apple School Manager APIs and inventory data

Richer inventory details (including MAC addresses and AppleCare coverage) plus new API endpoints for automation.

Why it matters: IT teams gain better oversight of fleets, making maintenance and lifecycle planning smoother, which can ease end-of-year organization.

API delegation and role-based permissions

Assign specific privileges (e.g., “Assign Devices”) without granting full admin rights.

Why it matters: Allows secure delegation to support staff, freeing IT leaders for strategic projects.

Managed vs. personal account control

Block unmanaged Apple IDs from use on school devices.

Why it matters: Prevents policy violations and ensures classroom workflows stay consistent, while also supporting a secure approach to device usage to meet data protection needs

Declarative device management

Outcome-based management for updates, Safari configurations, and more.

Why it matters: Reduces complexity, ensures compliance and speeds up changes across fleets without adding additional IT admin workload or disrupting learning. IT teams can schedule the update and the device holds the declaration so it gets managed appropriately.

Account-driven enrollment flexibility

MDM can now provide fallback URLs for personal or BYOD enrollments.

Why it matters: Makes secure enrollment possible for hybrid learning devices with less friction. With hybrid learning growing in approach, this is a key element to support IT teams.

Why Jamf makes all the difference

Same-day support — always: Jamf ensures compatibility with new operating systems from day one — so schools can confidently adopt iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 without disrupting educational workflows.

Automated, classroom-aware deployments: Jamf enables schedule-based deployments — upgrading devices during off-hours to avoid interruptions to learning.

Robust Apple Intelligence controls: Admins can configure MDM restrictions to allow, limit or block AI features, ensuring technology is used responsibly in the classroom.

Smart system extension management: Critical extensions remain active post-upgrade, keeping your school’s security posture intact.

Zero touch, zero stress: Jamf’s workflows mean devices are ready for learning without the need for IT teams to manually touch each one.

Looking ahead

With iPadOS 26 and macOS 26, Apple continues to supercharge creativity, accessibility and security. For education, the real win is getting those features into students’ hands — fully enabled, fully supported and fully managed. Jamf turns upgrades into opportunity.