Lesson 20: Software Updates

Goal

Create update plans to install updates on groups of computers and mobile devices.

Video

Key points

• Jamf Pro gives administrators the ability to deploy and install software updates remotely.

• Software updates can be used to create update plans that instruct computers and mobile devices to install updates from Apple.

  • Software updates can be accessed from both Computers > Software Updates and Devices > Software Updates.

  • This feature must be enabled prior to first use.

  • At the time of publication, the Software Updates feature is in beta. The beta experience is fully supported but may differ from the official release.

• Update plans are composed of three details: the target(s), the action, and the version.

• Update plans can instruct targets to install:

  • The latest major or minor version update

  • A specific version update

  • The latest available update for each targeted device

• Update plans cannot be used to install an older version than is currently installed.

• Multiple options are available to specify how target devices process the update, including:

  • Downloading the update and prompting the user to install

  • Downloading and installing the update immediately, with the option to force a restart when needed

  • Downloading the update and scheduling the install for a later date

• If a target device is turned off or not connected to a network when the update plan is applied, it will notify the user to install the update when next turned on or reconnected.

• Installation behavior for an update plan will vary based on device type, version, and chosen action. Be sure to test any update plan before deploying widely.

Review

To view answers, click arrow next to each question.

1. What happens when an update plan is applied to a device that is turned off or not connected to a network?
   A targeted device that is turned off or disconnected will receive the update plan as soon as it is turned on or reconnected to a network. The user will receive a notification that an update is required.
2. What three parts comprise an update plan?
   An update plan is composed of a target (or targets), the action to be taken on the target(s), and the update version to be applied on the target(s).
3. Where can update plans be created?
   Update plans can be created from Computers > Software Updates and Devices > Software Updates.

Practice

1. Create an update plan to install the latest available minor update to a test group of your choice, such as a test group containing one or two test computers.

   1. From either Computers or Devices, click Software Updates.

   2. Select a group to target, then click Update 1 selected.

   3. Select an option from the Install Action list.

   4. Select Latest minor version from the Target Version list.

   5. Click Apply.

Resources

Jamf 100 Course

• Lesson 16: Device Groups

Jamf Pro Documentation

• Updating macOS Using Managed Software Updates

• Updating iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS Using Managed Software Updates

Jamf Technical Articles

• Deploying macOS Upgrades and Updates with Jamf Pro

Jamf

• Managed software updates via DDM

Apple Platform Deployment

• About software updates for Apple devices

• Use MDM to deploy software updates to Apple devices