Guideline 3.1.1 - Business - Payments - In-App Purchase The app includes an account registration feature for businesses and organizations, which is considered access to external mechanisms for purchases or subscriptions to be used in the app. Next Steps Remove the account registration features for business and organizations. Our application currently allows users to register and create multiple accounts using a phone number. All users can freely create an account. The app is designed to help users manage their own products, orders, and sales invoices. It is purely a sales management tool. We do not provide any external purchase links, external payment methods, or subscription mechanisms outside of Apple’s In-App Purchase system. However, our app was rejected under Guideline 3.1.1 with the explanation that the app includes “account registration for businesses or organizations,” which is considered access to external purchase mechanisms. We are confused about this interpretation. From our understanding: Any individual user can register. The registration process is only for authentication and data management. The app must include an account registration feature in order to function properly. There is no external purchasing mechanism involved in the registration process. Could someone please clarify: Why would allowing users (including small business owners) to register accounts be considered “access to external purchase mechanisms”? What specifically qualifies as “account registration for businesses or organizations” under Guideline 3.1.1? What changes would be required to comply with the guideline while still keeping mandatory account registration? We would greatly appreciate clarification so we can properly address the issue and ensure full compliance with App Store policies. Thank you.

It seems like every time an IOS update is installed, the camera app file formats get reset to defaults. This setting is not available to manage at the MDM level. Many people need the the most compatible settings for the purpose of file sharing. So, now we have nearly 1,000 devices with a complete mix of photo and video formats. And IT has wasted MANY hours converting files for people. Feature Request: Please either stop resetting the camera app file formats or allow us to manage those settings at the MDM level. Respectfully, Robert

I have a question regarding MDM functionality for iOS/iPadOS. Background: According to Apple's support page(https://support.apple.com/en-us/125073), since iOS 26.1, "Previous Wi-Fi configurations will be replaced when a new profile is installed." We have observed that because of this change, when we apply a Wi-Fi configuration profile to an iPad via MDM, the manually configured network settings on the device (specifically, "Configure IPv4" and "Configure DNS") are reset to "Automatic". This erases the manually entered IP address, subnet mask, router, and DNS server addresses. Goal: We want to apply a Wi-Fi configuration profile from our MDM server to connect the device to a specific SSID, while preserving the manual IP and DNS settings that have been configured on the device. Question: Is there a way to prevent the IPv4 and DNS settings from being switched from "Manual" to "Automatic" when applying the configuration profile? For example, is there a specific key-value pair we can add to the profile to either preserve the existing manual settings, or to explicitly define manual/static IP settings within the profile itself for iOS/iPadOS? Reference: Sample Configuration Profile Below is a simplified version of the Wi-Fi configuration profile we are currently using. This profile does not contain any keys for IP address configuration. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd"> <plist version="1.0"> <dict> <key>PayloadContent</key> <array> <dict> <key>PayloadType</key> <string>com.apple.wifi.managed</string> <key>PayloadIdentifier</key> <string>com.apple.wifi.managed.13E2E6B3-D4B9-4E23-888A-524B3ED40C38</string> <key>PayloadUUID</key> <string>13E2E6B3-D4B9-4E23-888A-524B3ED40C38</string> <key>PayloadVersion</key> <integer>1</integer> <key>SSID_STR</key> <string>SSID</string> <key>EncryptionType</key> <string>WPA</string> <key>Password</key> <string>Password</string> </dict> </array> <key>PayloadType</key> <string>Configuration</string> </dict> </plist>

We are having issues working with bypass codes the server creates when initiating Activation Lock through MDM. We are able to use the device-generated bypass codes without issue. When using the end point to request activation lock as specified in https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/creating-and-using-bypass-codes/ we get a 200 response. But when using the endpoint to bypass the activation lock, we get a 404 response. If we try to manually input the activation lock bypass code, it also does not work. Both of these methods work with the device-generated bypass codes. Just to clarify when testing the server generated codes, we ensured that we did not test the device-generated codes. All of this was tested on iOS devices. Created feedback ticket FB21365819 with device specific details.

We are moving to Apple Business Store for our b2b customers. On the "residential" apple store side there is testflight. What process would one test an app we provide to a b2b customer when using apple business store publishing? (I don't see any sort of test flight for apple business)

Hello everyone, I’m looking for some clarity from the community regarding eligibility for the Swift Student Challenge 2026, particularly for students taking a gap year in India. I graduated from high school (Class XII, CBSE – India) in May 2025. After graduating, I chose to take a gap year to prepare for competitive entrance examinations in India, with the goal of pursuing Computer Science / Engineering. I’ll be applying to accredited universities for programs starting in mid-2026, and I’m not currently enrolled in a college. My question: The eligibility guidelines state that high school graduates must have graduated within the past 6 months and must be awaiting acceptance or have received acceptance to an accredited institution. Since the submission deadline is February 28, 2026, my graduation would be about 9 months prior, which puts me in a gray area. Has anyone here participated in, or seen others participate in, the Swift Student Challenge while taking a gap year and preparing for university entrance exams? Is there any known flexibility or precedent for students in this situation? I’ve been following the Swift Student Challenge since 2023 and would really love to participate if I’m eligible. Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I am looking for technical clarification regarding potential rate limits when automating frequent iOS device resets. In my workflow, I need to reset test devices multiple times per day using the EraseDevice MDM command, often combined with the ReturnToService flag for automated setup. I understand that after a full reset, the device undertakes several critical steps to become operational again, including device activation, system app installation, MDM re-enrollment, and subsequent validation of developer certificates for internally distributed apps. Based on Apple’s documentation and my own observations, I am aware of the following domains being involved in these processes: Device Activation: albert.apple.com, gs.apple.com, captive.apple.com, humb.apple.com, static.ips.apple.com, sq-device.apple.com, tbsc.apple.com, time*.apple.com System App Installation: *.itunes.apple.com, *.apps.apple.com, *.mzstatic.com MDM Enrollment: Communication with Apple ADE servers followed by the MDM server. Developer Certificate Validation: ppq.apple.com, ocsp.apple.com, crl.apple.com My primary question is: Are there any rate limits imposed by Apple’s servers on these specific processes when performed frequently on the exact same device within a short timeframe (e.g., multiple times per day)? Specifically, could anyone provide information regarding potential limits for: Device activation requests? System app downloads post-activation? Automated Device Enrollment checks and subsequent MDM enrollments? Developer certificate validation requests? Additionally, is the list of domains above comprehensive for these processes, or are there other key endpoints involved that I should be aware of regarding potential rate limiting? Understanding these limitations is crucial for ensuring the reliability of automated device management workflows. Thank you for any insights!

Hey folks, I work as a software development consultant. We develop enterprise applications for our clients, and the apps we create are usually for internal use. We've ran into a bit of a conundrum with a client who doesn't have their own Apple Enterprise account, and neither do we as we don't meet the criteria, but they're wanting to distribute an application we've built for them via their own MDM software. We are not entirely sure how to provide them with a distribution ready .ipa file that isn't AdHoc and will be recognized as a secure app. We've looked into generating a Developer ID provisioning profile and accompanying cert, however we're running into a problem where the platform of our app (iOS) doesn't match the platform required by the Developer ID profile (macOS). I've also come across the idea of resigning an .ipa, but again, the client doesn't have a Apple Developer account and expects the working .ipa to be included in the service rendered. Any suggestions or advice or documentation around the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ale

Hi, We're having problems starting an Ad Hoc ipa on an iPad with iOS 12.7.7 and 12.7.8. The iPad's UUID has been added to the provisioning profile. The iPad that we are trying to start the app on is online, so Apple's certificate validation server should be reachable. We don't have any problems with iOS versions above iOS 12. The .ipa was built using the latest version of Xcode (26.2, build 17C52). Here is the anonymised and reduced console log (only the app launch / bootstrap part): default 07:29:35.683108+0100 SpringBoard Icon touch began: <private> default 07:29:35.752640+0100 SpringBoard Icon tapped: <private> default 07:29:35.768538+0100 trustd cert[0]: SubjectCommonName =(leaf)[]> 0 default 07:29:35.791500+0100 SpringBoard Trust evaluate failure: [leaf IssuerCommonName LeafMarkerOid SubjectCommonName] default 07:29:35.793654+0100 trustd cert[0]: IssuerCommonName =(path)[]> 0 default 07:29:36.043497+0100 assertiond Submitting new job for "<APP_BUNDLE_ID>" on behalf of SpringBoard (pid: 48) default 07:29:36.044393+0100 SpringBoard Bootstrapping <APP_BUNDLE_ID> with intent foreground-interactive error 07:29:36.045124+0100 SpringBoard [<APP_BUNDLE_ID>] Bootstrap failed with error: domain: BKSProcessErrorDomain, code: 1 (bootstrap-failed), reason: "Failed to start job" error 07:29:36.045214+0100 SpringBoard Bootstrapping failed for <APP_BUNDLE_ID> (pid: -1): Error Domain=BKSProcessErrorDomain Code=1 "Unable to bootstrap process with bundleID <APP_BUNDLE_ID>" NSLocalizedFailureReason=Failed to start job NSUnderlyingError=NSPOSIXErrorDomain Code=3 "No such process" BKLaunchdOperation=launch_get_running_pid_4SB BKLaunchdJobLabel=<LAUNCHD_JOB_LABEL> BKSProcessJobLabel=<LAUNCHD_JOB_LABEL> default 07:29:36.046078+0100 assertiond Submitted job with label: <LAUNCHD_JOB_LABEL> default 07:29:36.046442+0100 assertiond Unable to get pid for '<LAUNCHD_JOB_LABEL>': No such process (3) error 07:29:36.046542+0100 assertiond Failed to start job: NSPOSIXErrorDomain Code=3 "No such process" default 07:29:36.046607+0100 assertiond Deleted job with label: <LAUNCHD_JOB_LABEL> default 07:29:36.081068+0100 SpringBoard Application process state changed for <APP_BUNDLE_ID>: pid: -1; taskState: Not Running

We are currently working on a SCEP server implementation that operates in FIPS-approved mode. In this mode, RSA PKCS#1 v1.5 encryption is disallowed due to compliance requirements, and only FIPS-approved padding schemes such as RSA-OAEP are permitted. However, we have observed that the SCEP client functionality on Apple devices currently does not support RSA-OAEP for CMS EnvelopedData decryption. This creates a challenge for us in ensuring FIPS compliance while maintaining compatibility with Apple devices during certificate enrollment through SCEP. We would appreciate your guidance on the following: Are there any alternative FIPS-approved encryption algorithms or configurations supported by Apple devices for SCEP CMS EnvelopedData decryption? Is there any plan or timeline for future support of RSA-OAEP on Apple platforms for this use case? Feedback raised along with sysdiagnose logs as well : FB17655410

Hi, We're having problems starting an Ad Hoc ipa on an iPad with iOS 12.7.7 and 12.7.8, probably iOS 12 in general. The iPad's UUID is added to the certificate. And we don't have problems with iOS versions > iOS 12. Here is the anonymized Console Log: default 09:05:12.088994+0100 SpringBoard immediate edge swipe: failed default 09:05:12.095189+0100 SpringBoard Icon touch began: <private> default 09:05:12.096204+0100 SpringBoard Found a reasonable launch image for <private>, not pre-warming SplashBoard. Load image into the snapshot instance. default 09:05:12.117737+0100 powerd Activity changes from 0x2 to 0x1. UseActiveState:1 default 09:05:12.118572+0100 powerd hidActive:1 displayOff:0 assertionActivityValid:0 now:0xcb6 hid_ts:0xcb6 assertion_ts:0x0 default 09:05:12.145354+0100 backboardd [HID] [MT] dispatchEvent Dispatching event with 1 children, _eventMask=0x23 _childEventMask=0x3 Cancel=0 Touching=0 inRange=0 default 09:05:12.152820+0100 SpringBoard Icon tapped: <private> default 09:05:12.158236+0100 dasd Trigger: <private> is now [1] default 09:05:12.159538+0100 dasd Don't have <private> for type 1 default 09:05:12.170128+0100 trustd cert[0]: SubjectCommonName =(leaf)[]> 0 default 09:05:12.170407+0100 trustd cert[0]: LeafMarkerOid =(leaf)[]> 0 default 09:05:12.182388+0100 trustd OCSPSingleResponse: nextUpdate 0.54 days ago default 09:05:12.186084+0100 trustd OCSPSingleResponse: nextUpdate 0.62 days ago default 09:05:12.187067+0100 SpringBoard Trust evaluate failure: [leaf IssuerCommonName LeafMarkerOid SubjectCommonName] default 09:05:12.238604+0100 trustd Task <TASK_UUID_REDACTED_1>.<1> resuming, QOS(0x19) default 09:05:12.240650+0100 trustd TIC TCP Conn Start [12:0xADDR_REDACTED] default 09:05:12.241136+0100 trustd [C12 Hostname#HASH_REDACTED:80 tcp, pid: PID_REDACTED, url hash: HASH_REDACTED] start default 09:05:12.245884+0100 trustd TIC TCP Conn Start [13:0xADDR_REDACTED] default 09:05:12.246361+0100 trustd [C13 Hostname#HASH_REDACTED:80 tcp, pid: PID_REDACTED, url hash: HASH_REDACTED] start default 09:05:12.256520+0100 trustd nw_connection_report_state_with_handler_locked [C12] reporting state failed error Network is down error 09:05:12.256978+0100 trustd TIC TCP Conn Failed [12:0xADDR_REDACTED]: 1:50 Err(50) error 09:05:12.262697+0100 trustd Task <TASK_UUID_REDACTED_1>.<1> HTTP load failed (error code: -1009 [1:50]) error 09:05:12.271646+0100 trustd Task <TASK_UUID_REDACTED_1>.<1> load failed with error Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1009 "The Internet connection appears to be offline." default 09:05:12.271898+0100 trustd Failed to download ocsp response http://ocsp.apple.com/ocsp03-wwdrg311/... with error Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1009 "The Internet connection appears to be offline." default 09:05:12.280643+0100 SpringBoard Activating <private> from icon default 09:05:12.281399+0100 CommCenter #I CTServerConnection from pid PID_REDACTED has closed (conn=0xADDR_REDACTED) default 09:05:12.513629+0100 SpringBoard Bootstrapping com.example.myapp with intent foreground-interactive default 09:05:12.514084+0100 assertiond Submitting new job for "com.example.myapp" on behalf of <BKProcess: 0xADDR_REDACTED; SpringBoard; com.apple.springboard; pid: PID_REDACTED; ...> default 09:05:12.514909+0100 assertiond Submitted job with label: UIKitApplication:com.example.myapp[REDACTED][REDACTED] error 09:05:12.516769+0100 SpringBoard [com.example.myapp] Bootstrap failed with error: <NSError: 0xADDR_REDACTED; domain: BKSProcessErrorDomain; code: 1 (bootstrap-failed); reason: "Failed to start job"> error 09:05:12.516935+0100 SpringBoard Bootstrapping failed for <FBApplicationProcess: 0xADDR_REDACTED; com.example.myapp; pid: -1> with error: Error Domain=BKSProcessErrorDomain Code=1 "Unable to bootstrap process with bundleID com.example.myapp" default 09:05:12.517589+0100 SpringBoard <FBApplicationProcess: 0xADDR_REDACTED; com.example.myapp; pid: -1> exited. default 09:05:12.542638+0100 SpringBoard Application process state changed for com.example.myapp: <SBApplicationProcessState: 0xADDR_REDACTED; pid: -1; taskState: Not Running; visibility: Unknown> default 09:05:13.072994+0100 SpringBoard Front display did change: <SBApplication: 0xADDR_REDACTED; com.example.myapp> Is there any know problem with running Ad Hoc ipas on iOS 12? Thanks Christian

I've been running the betas fine for a while, now, where do you want to go??

Background / Objective We are currently developing a solution to centrally manage Apple OS updates (major and minor) across managed macOS devices. Before implementing at scale, we need Apple’s guidance on supported and future-proof update mechanisms under MDM. Questions / Ask (Apple Guidance Requested) Apple recommended method What is Apple’s recommended approach to perform: Minor updates (e.g., macOS X.Y → X.Z) Major upgrades (e.g., Ventura → Sonoma) in an enterprise fleet? Support boundary Is macOS update management only supported via MDM (including any newer declarative workflows), or are local mechanisms (installer + command-line tooling) also considered supported for enterprise automation? Use of startosinstall Can we leverage the existing utility: /Applications/Install macOS .app/Contents/Resources/startosinstall for automated upgrades in enterprise environments? If yes, are there recommended flags/workflows Apple endorses for unattended or minimally interactive upgrades? Long-term support / stability Does startosinstall have any form of long-term support / stability guarantees across future macOS releases? Are there any known deprecations planned (or guidance that customers should transition to MDM/DDM workflows)? MDM interaction / interference When using startosinstall, can MDM policies (software update deferrals/restrictions, update enforcement, etc.) interfere with or block the upgrade? If interference is expected, what is the correct supported way to coordinate: MDM software update settings local startosinstall execution to avoid failures and ensure compliance? What We Need From Apple (Desired Outcome) A clear statement of recommended and supported update workflow(s) for enterprise managed macOS: for minor updates for major upgrades Guidance on whether startosinstall is acceptable for long-term automation, or whether we should only use MDM/DDM-driven workflows. Any best practices or reference documentation Apple recommends for implementing this safely and reliably.

We are upgrading macOS (minor versions and potentially major versions) using a scripted approach: Install the InstallAssistant package via installer Trigger OS install via startosinstall On MDM-managed assets, OS update policies appear to prohibit or interfere with the update flow. The update often fails with startosinstall reporting “Helper tool crashed…” during the “Preparing” phase. Steps to Reproduce On an MDM-enrolled Mac with OS update restriction/deferral policies applied, run: sudo /usr/sbin/installer -pkg /Path/To/InstallAssistant.pkg -target / && echo 'MACOS_PASSWORD' | /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/startosinstall --agreetolicense --forcequitapps --stdinpass --user MACOS_USER Actual Result Package installation reports success, but startosinstall fails during preparation with: Standard Output installer: Package name is macOS15.7_SoftwareUpdate installer: Upgrading at base path / installer: The upgrade was successful. By using the agreetolicense option, you are agreeing that you have run this tool with the license only option and have read and agreed to the terms. If you do not agree, press CTRL-C and cancel this process immediately. Preparing to run macOS Installer... Preparing: 0.0% Preparing: 0.1% ... Preparing: 24.9% Standard Error Helper tool crashed... notes.log Install.log is also attached. Questions for Apple / Ask: We suspect this crash is caused by MDM OS update restrictions/policies. We need Apple’s recommended method to perform macOS updates (minor + major) when MDM is present, especially in environments where update deferrals/restrictions may be configured.

Hi, I’m testing the ClearPasscode MDM command: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/clear-passcode-command Question: If a user enters the passcode incorrectly multiple times and the device becomes temporarily locked (e.g., “Try again in X minutes”) or reaches “Security Lockout”, can ClearPasscode still be executed successfully while the device is in that state? {'ErrorCode': 5013, 35708 'ErrorDomain': 'MCPasscodeErrorDomain', 35709 'LocalizedDescription': '\xe3\x81\x93...x89', 35710 'USEnglishDescription': 'The passcode cannot be cleared (-1)'} If it depends on conditions (e.g., supervised vs. user enrollment, availability of UnlockToken, network/check-in state), could you clarify which conditions are required? Thank you.

Hello, I am trying to authenticate to the Apple Business Manager API to retrieve device information and ingest it into ServiceNow. I am following the documentation here. The first step is to create an API account and download the private key used to create a JWT client assertion. The guide linked above gives a python script to create a client assertion. Below the first python script, the following description is given for the "kid" variable: "The value is your keyId that returns when you upload a public key." This is the first time that a public key, rather than a private key, is referenced. Where is the public key supposed to be uploaded? Later in the guide, a public key is referenced again, in the section describing the client_id Request parameter: "(Required) You receive your clientId when you upload a public key." I have tried to create a client assertion using the keyId that is associated with the API account. When I try to request an access token, however, I also get an "invalid_client" error back. I am wondering if I'm using the wrong values for both key_id and client_id due to not creating and uploading a public key. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

I am trying to correctly manage about 20 Mac, iPhones and PC inside a Wi-Fi network built through System Settings > Sharing > Internet Sharing To achieve this task I defined a complete configuration file: /etc/bootpd.plist which is used by /usr/libexec/InternetSharing. But every time /usr/libexec/InternetSharing is starting the file /etc/bootpd.plist is overwritten by another file and my configuration is thus fully lost. How to set a correct /etc/bootps.plist file and avoid its total overwrite by /usr/libexec/InternetSharing? Is it necessary to write this bootpd.plist in some other directory for /usr/libexec/InternetSharing to load it without destroying it? I got the same configuration total erase on macOS Big Sur and Sequoia.

Hi Team, Could you please share how to change/extend the expiry date of the existing iOS Distribution (In-House) certificate? Since the membership renewal date is in March 2026 and the iOS distribution(In-House) certificate expiry date is in Feb 2026. We use to distribute the mobile apps using the product intunes (Company portal) and via direct download link. Please suggest since this certificate is used by multiple mobile apps by the users which can affect lot of iPhone users? Thank you in advance Deepak

Apple provides a function to create TTS voice as a file in TTS. (AVSpeechUtterance/AVSpeechSynthesizer) Or, if the user records the video of TTS playback and uses that video I wonder what the scope of use is if I use this TTS voice to make YouTube, TikTok, or commercial videos. Is it impossible to use it commercially at all? Can I use it commercially with the source indicated? Can I use it commercially without a separate source indication? Is there a difference in commercial use license between Siri voices and regular TTS voices?

Hello All, I come to ask a question that I haven't been able to find the docs. I continue to work on implementing declarative management and while working there is a question/concern I have. I have noticed that during some destructive testing, if the device is attempting to fetch a configuration and the server responds with a 503 (or any server related error) then the device will wipe all configurations and attempt to reapply them. Is there any way to prevent this by intercepting status codes or would the only real solution be to force down a temp/test config if the real config can't be fetched from the server?