Deploying an app to an iPad
Purpose
Guide Helpdesk staff through the full workflow of approving, purchasing, and deploying apps via Apple School Manager and Jamf Pro.
1. When an App Request Ticket Arrives
Before deploying anything, the Helpdesk must check:
A. Do we already have the app in Jamf Pro?
In Jamf Pro, go to:
Devices > Mobile Device Apps
Search for the app name.
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If it exists:
Check if there are enough licenses to assign.
If yes → you can immediately scope it to the required device(s) or year level.
If not → proceed with purchasing additional licenses (see Section 3).
B. Is the app free or paid?
This determines whether IT can proceed immediately.
If the app is FREE:
✔ You may purchase the required licenses in Apple School Manager immediately.
If the app is PAID:
Teachers must provide:
Approval from Head of School
Confirmation it will be paid from their department’s budget
A PO or approval email forwarded to Helpdesk
Helpdesk cannot purchase paid apps without budget approval.
2. Once Approval Is Confirmed (for new app requests)
Assuming this is a brand new app, follow the steps below.
3. Purchase Licenses in Apple School Manager
Log in to Apple School Manager:
https://school.apple.com/#main/accounts
(Credentials in 1Password.)
Go to Apps and Books.
Search for the app.
In Assign to, select:
Scotch College Adelaide
Set Quantity = number of licenses required.
Click Get.
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Refresh the page.
Note: New app purchases may take 2–5 minutes to sync to Jamf Pro.
4. Configure and Deploy the App in Jamf Pro
After waiting a few minutes:
Log in to Jamf Pro.
Go to:
Devices > Mobile Device Apps
Search for the app you purchased.
Click the app name.
A. General Tab
Go to General > Edit.
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Select the appropriate checkboxes:
Make available in Self Service
Install automatically
Display in categories (optional)
Etc., depending on requirements.
Save.
B. Scope
Go to Scope.
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Click Add to add:
Specific devices
Year-level smart groups
Device groups
Save.
C. Managed Distribution
Go to Managed Distribution:
✔ Ensure Assign Content Purchased in Volume is checked.
(This ensures Jamf links licenses from Apple School Manager.)
Save changes.
5. App Deployment
Once saved, the app will deploy based on:
Devices should receive the app shortly after Jamf pushes the configuration.
If the app does not appear:
Run Send Blank Push from the device record
Ensure the device has internet access
Ensure licenses are sufficient