Quick Summary
If you’re managing Apple devices at work, you’ve probably come across Apple Business and wondered whether it’s enough on its own — or whether you need a dedicated mobile device management MDM like Shepherd.
This guide breaks down the differences between Apple Business (Apple’s native platform with built in MDM) and Shepherd MDM (HardSoft’s purpose‑built device management service), so you can decide what’s right for your team today and as you grow.
What is Apple Business?
Apple Business is Apple’s unified platform that brings together what used to be Apple Business Manager, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Connect.
At a high level, Apple Business helps you:
- Enrol Apple devices automatically at purchase
- Create and manage Managed Apple Accounts
- Distribute apps and books in volume
- Apply basic configurations and security settings
- Access AppleCare+ for Business support
Apple Business also includes Apple’s own mobile device management (MDM), which was previously available as a subscription through Apple Business Essentials in the US.
Apple positions it as an all‑in‑one starting point for running teams, devices, and services within the Apple ecosystem.
Where Apple Business works well
Apple Business is a solid option if:
- You’re a very small team (5 to 50 employees)
- You’re 100% Apple
- You want light‑touch management
- You’re happy staying mostly inside Apple’s ecosystem and defaults
- You don’t need hands‑on IT or ongoing MDM support
The MDM within Apple Business works well for basic device setup and standard policies, particularly for teams without a dedicated IT function.
Apple also allows devices to be automatically enrolled into either its own MDM or a third‑party MDM, which is an important distinction.
The Limits of Apple Business for Growing Teams
This is where many IT teams start to feel friction.
Apple Business covers a strong set of core controls — including zero-touch deployment, activation lock control, password policies, FileVault, firewall enforcement, screen lock control, remote lock and wipe, macOS updates, custom payloads from Apple Configurator, and lost device tracking. But there are still clear gaps when you compare it with a dedicated MDM like Shepherd MDM.
Those gaps include:
- No application control or extra configuration
- No application versioning or reporting
- No dedicated compliance support such as Cyber Essentials
- No local user account control
- No local admin and standard user elevation
- No device diagnostics and information
- No firmware lock
- No scheduled reporting
- No scripting
- No remote access and control
- No self-service for applications and scripts
In short, Apple Business gives you a solid baseline for Apple device management, but it stops short of the deeper visibility, automation, reporting, and admin control that many growing businesses need day to day.
What is Shepherd MDM?
Shepherd MDM is HardSoft’s cloud-based Apple mobile device management solution, designed specifically for businesses that want proper control without enterprise complexity.
Shepherd MDM supports the same core Apple management functions as Apple Business — such as zero-touch deployment, activation lock control, password policy enforcement, FileVault, firewall enforcement, lock and wipe, macOS updates, custom payloads, and lost device tracking — while also adding deeper management capabilities that Apple Business doesn’t include.
From the moment a device is switched on, Shepherd can:
- Enrol it automatically
- Apply security and configuration policies
- Install required apps
- Lock down data access
- Keep the device compliant throughout its lifecycle
All without IT needing to touch the device.
What Shepherd Solutions are Available?
1. Shepherd Fusion; Built for Every Platform
Shepherd Fusion is HardSoft’s most advanced device management solution, built for businesses managing a mix of operating systems. Designed to manage and secure Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Linux devices from a single cloud-based dashboard.
2. Shepherd for Apple; Manage Every Apple Device with Ease
Shepherd for Apple is built to simplify MacOS and iOS device management. From automated enrolment and configuration to security and compliance, it helps IT teams manage their Apple estate from a single dashboard.
3. Shepherd for Mobile; For iPhones & iPads
Shepherd for Mobile is designed specifically for businesses managing company-owned iPhones and iPads. It provides a simple, cost-effective way to deploy and support iOS fleets, making it ideal for organisations with straightforward mobile device management requirements.
Apple Business vs Shepherd MDM: Feature Comparison
Why Shepherd MDM is the Better Choice for Most Businesses
Apple Business gives you the minimum required tools. Shepherd gives you control, automation, and peace of mind.
1. True zero‑touch onboarding
Devices can be shipped directly to employees, already linked to your organisation, and fully configured on first boot. No IT handling, no delays, no manual setup.
2. Stronger security and compliance
Shepherd enforces:
- Passcodes and encryption
- App restrictions
- Remote lock and wipe
- Consistent policies across every device
That’s essential for GDPR, Cyber Essentials, and remote‑first teams.
3. Built for growing and remote teams
Whether you’re onboarding one new starter or twenty, Shepherd lets you deploy devices in minutes, not days — and redeploy them just as quickly when someone leaves.
4. Designed around real SMB needs
Shepherd is:
- Simple to use
- Cost‑effective
- Scalable as your team grows
- Supported by HardSoft’s Apple‑certified experts
It fills the gap between Apple’s basic tooling and heavyweight enterprise MDMs.
How HardSoft Makes Shepherd Even More Powerful
With HardSoft, Shepherd isn’t just software — it’s part of a complete device lifecycle service:
- Apple device leasing with predictable monthly costs
- Pre‑enrolment into Apple Business Manager
- Shepherd MDM configured and ready before delivery
- UK‑based support from Apple‑certified specialists
- Device refresh, redeployment, and end‑of‑life handling
Everything works together, so your IT doesn’t become a bottleneck as you scale.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Business now includes MDM, which used to be Apple Business Essentials.
- Apple Business MDM is a good starting point for small, simple environments.
- Apple Business itself is a wider platform — device management is just one part.
- Shepherd MDM is a specialist tool focused on everyday device management.
- Shepherd is better suited to growing, remote, or fast‑moving teams.
- Many businesses use Apple Business as the base and Shepherd for control.
- HardSoft ties everything together with leasing, support, and lifecycle services.
Ready to Manage Apple Devices Properly?
If Apple Business feels a bit too limited, and enterprise MDMs feel like overkill — Shepherd MDM is the sweet spot.
Speak to a HardSoft expert to see how Shepherd can simplify your Apple device management and scale with your business.
Andrew Morgan is Co-Founder of HardSoft Computers, where he’s spent over 40 years driving innovation in tech leasing. With a focus on making IT solutions flexible and accessible, Andrew leads strategy across product development, SEO, and digital marketing.
He’s passionate about helping businesses thrive with the right technology and regularly shares insights on the HardSoft blog.
LinkedIn: Andrew Morgan
Email: andrew@hardsoft.co.uk