Written by KRITIKA SINHA | IT SERVICES
If you are running a mix of Windows and Mac devices, you are probably already paying for Microsoft Intune as part of your Microsoft 365 stack. But if you are not using Microsoft Intune for Mac to manage those Apple devices, you are leaving gaps in security, visibility, and control.
For a CIO, COO, or CISO, that gap is not a “nice‑to‑have” problem. It is a direct hit on risk, cost, and agility.
This post is written for decision‑makers who want to understand what Microsoft Intune for Mac actually does, how it fits into your existing estate, and what you must plan before rolling it out at scale.
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What is Microsoft Intune for Mac?
Microsoft Intune for Mac is Microsoft’s cloud‑based endpoint management platform that lets you configure, secure, and monitor macOS devices alongside Windows, iOS, Android, and other platforms from a single console.
In plain terms:
- It is part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM).
- It uses Apple’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) framework to apply policies, deploy apps, and enforce compliance on Macs.
If you already manage Windows devices with Intune, Microsoft Intune for Mac extends that same model to macOS, so you are not forced into a separate Mac‑only toolchain.
Think of it like adding an elite “reserve force” to your IT department. Your team maintains control over core systems and strategy, while the MSP provides bandwidth, specialised skills, and proactive monitoring.
Key Points:
- Retain your internal team while extending capabilities.
- Access skills that may be too costly to hire in-house.
- Flexibility to scale up or down based on business needs.
What does Microsoft Intune for Mac do?
Microsoft Intune for Mac is not just “MDM for Apple devices”. It is a control plane for:
1. Device configuration
- Enforce disc encryption (FileVault), firewall rules, Gatekeeper settings, and screen‑lock behaviour.
- Push Wi-Fi, VPN, and certificate profiles so users do not have to manually configure secure connectivity.
2. Application management
- Deploy and update macOS apps (PKG, DMG, Mac App Store, and managed apps) from one place.
- Use pre‑ and post‑install scripts and payloadless packages to automate configuration and security hardening.
3. Security and compliance
- Tie Macs into Conditional Access, so only compliant devices can reach corporate data.
- Integrate with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and other security tools to detect and respond to threats on macOS.
4. User experience and autonomy
- Support Automated Device Enrolment (ADE) for zero‑touch onboarding and self‑service BYOD enrolment.
- Let employees use Macs they prefer while still enforcing your security baseline.
For a growing business, that means fewer tools, less manual work, and more consistent control across a mixed‑OS environment.
How does Microsoft Intune for Mac work?
At a high level, Microsoft Intune for Mac works like this:
1. Enrolment
- Macs are enrolled into Intune via Apple Business Manager (ABM) or user‑driven enrolment (e.g., Company Portal app or ADE).
- Once enrolled, the Mac receives an MDM profile that allows Intune to manage it.
2. Policy and profile assignment
- You define configuration profiles for security settings (encryption, firewall, passwords), Wi‑Fi, VPN, and certificates.
You assign compliance policies (minimum OS version, encryption status, patch level) and application policies (what apps are installed and how they behave).
3. Monitoring and remediation
- Intune continuously checks device compliance and can block non‑compliant devices from accessing corporate resources via Conditional Access.
- You can remotely wipe, re‑enrol, or push new configurations without touching the device physically.
4. Integration with your stack
- Intune plugs into Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for identity, Microsoft 365 for apps, and Defender for Endpoint for threat detection.
For a CIO, this is not about “installing another console”. It is about centralising control across Windows and Mac, so your team can manage risk and change at scale.
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Why is Microsoft Intune for Mac important for you?
If you ignore Mac management, you are effectively running a two‑class system:
- Windows devices: centrally managed, patched, and monitored.
- Mac devices: loosely configured, inconsistently patched, and often excluded from conditional access.
That imbalance creates three concrete problems:
1. Security gaps
- Unmanaged Macs are harder to patch, harder to monitor, and easier to compromise.
- A single unpatched Mac with access to your cloud estate can become the entry point for ransomware or data exfiltration.
2. Operational friction
- Without centralised Mac management, every Mac‑related issue becomes a manual ticket: “Can you install X on my MacBook?” “Why can’t I connect to the VPN on my Mac?”
That slows down your team, increases support costs, and frustrates users.
3. Compliance and audit risk
- Regulators and auditors expect to see consistent device controls across all platforms.
- If Macs are treated as “special cases”, you create documentation gaps and evidence gaps that can cost you in an audit or breach investigation.
Microsoft Intune for Mac closes those gaps by bringing macOS into the same control plane as Windows, so your security, compliance, and support model becomes consistent, repeatable, and scalable.
What CIOs should plan before rolling out Microsoft Intune for Mac?
Before you flip the switch, here are the key questions you should answer:
1. What is your Mac estate today?
- How many Macs do you have?
- Are they company‑owned or BYOD?
- Are they already enrolled in another MDM (Jamf, Kandji, etc.)?
If you are migrating from another Mac‑only tool, you need a migration plan, not a “big bang” switch‑off.
2. What is your security baseline?
Define what “compliant” means for a Mac:
- Minimum macOS version.
- FileVault enabled.
- Firewall and Gatekeeper rules.
- Required security agents (e.g., Defender for Endpoint).
These rules become your compliance policies in Intune.
3. How will you handle identity and access?
- Are Mac users on Microsoft Entra ID?
- Do you plan to use Conditional Access so only compliant devices can reach Microsoft 365, SaaS apps, and internal services?
If not, rolling out Microsoft Intune for Mac without Conditional Access means you are managing devices but not tying that management to access control.
4. What is your user experience strategy?
- Will you use Automated Device Enrolment (ADE) for new company Macs?
- Will you allow self‑service enrolment for BYOD?
- How will you communicate changes to users (e.g., new profiles, required apps, or security prompts)?
A bad rollout creates friction; a good one feels like “things just work”.
5. How will you measure success?
Set clear metrics:
- Percentage of Macs enrolled and compliant.
- Reduction in Mac‑specific support tickets.
- Time saved on manual configuration and patching.
If you cannot measure it, you cannot justify the investment or optimise it over time.
Why Transputec? (Microsoft Intune for Mac and Mac Management)
Transputec is not a generic IT support shop. We specialise in managed IT services, AI‑driven automation, and cybersecurity for SMEs, large organisations, and high‑growth startups.
Here is how we can help you with Microsoft Intune for Mac and broader Mac management:
Assessment and roadmap
We map your existing Mac estate, security posture, and Microsoft 365 stack, then define a realistic rollout plan for Microsoft Intune for Mac that aligns with your business priorities.Design and implementation
We design and deploy Intune configuration profiles, compliance policies, and Conditional Access rules so Macs are managed consistently alongside Windows devices.Security integration
We integrate Microsoft Intune for Mac with your existing security stack (Defender, SIEM, MDR, etc.) so threats on macOS are detected and responded to at the same level as Windows.Ongoing management and optimisation
We provide proactive monitoring, patch management, and policy reviews so your Mac management stays current with new macOS releases and security requirements.Support and user enablement
We handle support escalations, user onboarding, and training so your internal team can focus on strategic work instead of firefighting Mac‑related issues.
In short, we help you turn Microsoft Intune for Mac from a technical project into a business enabler that reduces risk, cuts cost, and improves agility.
Conclusion
Microsoft Intune for Mac is not a niche feature. It is a core part of how modern organisations manage a mixed‑OS estate in a secure, scalable way.
For a CIO or CISO, rolling it out without a clear plan risks creating friction, security gaps, and wasted effort. Rolling it out with the right strategy and support turns it into a lever for reducing risk, cutting costs, and improving agility.
If you are considering Microsoft Intune for Mac or already have it in place but not fully leveraged, the next step is a strategic consultation to map your current state, define your target state, and build a realistic rollout plan.
Ready to Experience the Transputec Difference?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experts.
FAQs
1. Can Microsoft Intune for Mac replace Jamf or other Mac‑only MDM tools?
Yes, for many organisations. Microsoft Intune for Mac now covers core device configuration, app deployment, and compliance for macOS, so you can consolidate onto one platform instead of running Jamf plus Intune. Transputec can help you evaluate whether Intune meets your specific needs or whether a hybrid model makes more sense.
2. Do I need extra licensing for Microsoft Intune for Mac?
No, Microsoft Intune for Mac is included in most Microsoft 365 and Intune licensing bundles. Transputec can review your existing licences and confirm what is covered so you avoid unnecessary add‑ons.
3. How long does a Microsoft Intune for Mac rollout typically take?
For a typical mixed‑OS estate of 100–500 devices, a phased rollout (assessment, pilot, then full deployment) usually takes 4–10 weeks, depending on complexity. Transputec can accelerate this by reusing existing Intune policies and automating enrolment workflows.
4. What happens to existing Macs already managed by another MDM?
You can migrate them gradually by enrolling them into Intune while keeping the old MDM in place, then decommissioning the legacy tool once all devices are stable. Transputec can manage that migration with minimal disruption to users.
5. How does Transputec support Microsoft Intune for Mac in a multi‑cloud, multi‑vendor environment?
We integrate Microsoft Intune for Mac with your broader stack (Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Defender, AWS, and third‑party tools) so device management supports your security, compliance, and business goals rather than sitting in a silo.
