Managing Apple devices in business and education environments has always relied on Mobile Device Management (MDM). But as Apple technology evolves, so does the way devices are managed. Enter Apple Declarative Device Management (DDM) — a smarter, faster, and more autonomous way to configure and control Apple devices.
What Is Apple Declarative Device Management?
Declarative Device Management is Apple’s next-generation approach to device management. Instead of the MDM server constantly sending commands and checking status, DDM allows the device itself to understand and maintain its desired configuration.
In simple terms:
Traditional MDM tells the device what to do.
DDM tells the device what state to be in — and lets it figure out the rest.
This shift makes Apple device management more efficient, responsive, and reliable.
What It Is
Apple Declarative Device Management lets the device itself evaluate and enforce configurations based on declarative statements sent by a management server.
Instead of the MDM server telling the device step-by-step what to do (imperative model), the server simply declares the desired state, and the device automatically keeps itself in that state.
Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Declarations | Data objects sent from the MDM server that define configurations, assets, and policies. |
| Status Reports | Devices proactively report their state to the server—no polling required. |
| Local Evaluation | Devices determine what’s applicable based on current conditions (e.g., user type, enrollment type). |
| Extensibility | Supports custom declarations as Apple expands APIs (starting from iOS 15, macOS 12). |
How It Differs from Traditional MDM
| Feature | Traditional (Imperative) MDM | Declarative (DDM) |
|---|---|---|
| Control Model | Server-driven | Device-driven |
| Communication | Server polls or pushes commands | Device updates automatically |
| State Tracking | Server maintains state | Device maintains and reports state |
| Performance | Slower, more network-heavy | Faster, more efficient |
| Offline Behavior | Limited | Device can enforce policy offline |
Structure of Declarations
A declaration typically includes:
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Type (e.g., configuration, management, asset)
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Identifier
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Payload (the actual configuration)
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Activations (rules for when it applies)
Example (simplified JSON-like format):
The device applies this Wi-Fi config automatically when the activation condition (UserLoggedIn) is true.
How It Works
DDM uses declarations — data objects that describe the desired state of the device. These declarations can include configurations, policies, and assets. The device then:
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Applies the declarations locally.
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Continuously monitors its own compliance.
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Reports its status back to the management server proactively — no need for constant polling.
This allows devices to enforce policies even when offline and synchronize once they reconnect.
Key Benefits of Declarative Device Management
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Faster responses: Devices update immediately when conditions change.
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Less server load: The device, not the server, maintains compliance.
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Offline capability: Policies are enforced without a live MDM connection.
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Better privacy: The device handles evaluation locally, reducing server dependency.
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Scalability: Ideal for managing large fleets of iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Real-World Example
Imagine a company wants all Macs to:
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Connect automatically to a secure Wi-Fi network.
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Require FileVault encryption.
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Enforce a passcode policy.
With DDM, the MDM server simply declares these settings. Each Mac enforces and maintains them on its own — no waiting for the server to push commands or check compliance.
Supported Devices and Platforms
Apple first introduced DDM in:
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iOS 15
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iPadOS 15
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macOS 12 Monterey
It has since expanded with more features in iOS 16–18 and macOS Ventura–Sequoia, supporting new declaration types like accounts, passcodes, and security policies.
The Future of Apple Device Management
Apple Declarative Device Management represents a major evolution in how organizations manage Apple devices. By shifting control to the device, Apple enables faster, smarter, and more secure operations for IT administrators everywhere.
If your organization uses Apple devices, moving toward DDM will future-proof your deployment and simplify long-term management.
Ready to Modernize Your Mac Management?
At MyMac Computer, we help businesses transition from traditional MDM to Apple Declarative Device Management seamlessly.
Contact our Apple-certified experts today to upgrade your device management strategy.
📧 Contact us: support@mymaccomputer.com