With version 26 of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, Apple has introduced a feature that makes it much easier for companies to switch from an existing mobile device management (MDM) system to Cortado. The big advantage: devices no longer need to be reset or reconfigured. The switchover is done directly via Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM) – securely, quickly, and without any loss of data.
Aim
In this how-to, you will learn how to replace your existing MDM system with minimal effort and seamlessly switch to Cortado MDM. This will simplify your device management and allow you to benefit from a powerful, modern solution.
Implementation
Preparation – Requirements and planning
1. Check devices and operating systems
To make the switch, devices must have at least iOS/iPadOS 26 or macOS 26 installed. They must also be registered with Apple Business Manager. If devices are not yet up to date, it is recommended that you initiate the update via the existing MDM. This will ensure that all devices are ready for migration.
2. Document existing configurations
Before migrating, you should note down which settings are currently active on the devices. These include:
- WIFI-, VPN- and Email profiles
- Security policies (e.g., password requirements, encryption)
- Device groups and app assignments
This overview will help you to map the previous specifications in Cortado in a targeted manner – often even more easily and uniformly.
3. Connect Cortado with Apple Business Manager
The following steps must be performed to ensure that the migration works:
- creating a device management service for Cortado in Apple Business Manager,
- removing content token for volume licenses from the old MDM,
- Importing new content token for volume licenses at Cortado.
This authorizes Cortado to manage your Apple devices directly.
4. Preparing policies and profiles in Cortado
Before transferring devices, define your basic policies in Cortado—for example, for Wi-Fi, security, app distribution, or device settings. This ensures that the new devices are fully managed immediately after migration.
Our tip: Start with a pilot group to test the process internally before converting the entire fleet.
Start migration – from an administrator's perspective
In Apple Business Manager, you can initiate the change in just a few steps:
- Select the devices that are to be migrated.
- Click on Assign device management.
- Select Cortado as your new MDM system.
- Determine when the migration should be completed. (If you are using volume licenses, the registration period may not exceed 30 days!)
- Confirm your selection.
Apple now automatically transfers device management to Cortado—without reinstallation or manual registration on the end devices.
Process on the end devices
Users will receive a notification on their device that a change of management system is pending. They can start the migration immediately or carry it out within the set deadline. After confirmation, the previous MDM profile is removed and the new Cortado profile is installed. All existing data and apps are retained – no reset is necessary. If the migration is not completed within the set deadline, a full-screen message appears prompting the user to do so before the device can continue to be used.
After migration – checking and fine-tuning
After completing the migration, check in the Cortado dashboard whether all devices have been successfully transferred. Particularly important:
- Are all profiles and apps applied correctly?
- Are security-related settings working as intended?
- Are all devices assigned to the correct organizational unit?
If everything fits, the migration can be approved for the rest of the fleet.
Conclusion
With the new Apple feature, switching to Cortado is easier than ever before.
Companies benefit from:
- smooth migration without device reset,
- minimal effort for IT departments,
- no interruption to everyday work,
- direct integration into Apple Business Manager.
This means that nothing stands in the way of switching to a modern, user-friendly, and data protection-compliant MDM. If you would like assistance with planning or implementation, our team will be happy to help.