Declarative device management: Managing Apple devices

Managing a fleet of Apple devices has traditionally required constant back-and-forth between a management server and each device. Every time you needed to verify a device’s status or enforce a policy, like installing an app or ensuring encryption, you had to wait for a check-in. It worked, but it wasn’t fast, scalable, or efficient.

That’s why Apple introduced Declarative Device Management (DDM)—a next-generation protocol designed to make device management more efficient, autonomous, and secure. Rippling leverages DDM across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices to deliver a faster, more resilient management experience for IT teams.

What is Declarative Device Management (DDM)?

At its core, DDM is a proactive, self-managing approach to device management.

Traditional mobile device management (MDM) works like a micromanaging boss constantly checking in with each device, asking questions like “Are you encrypted yet?” or “Do you have the right Wi-Fi profile installed?” and then issuing commands to fix anything out of place.

DDM flips that model. Instead of micromanaging, the server sends the device a “declaration”—a description of the ideal state the device should maintain (for example: encryption enabled, Zoom installed, specific Wi-Fi profiles applied). From there, the device takes over: it monitors itself, applies changes, and even remediates issues autonomously. The device only contacts the server when something changes.

Think of it as the difference between assigning someone a set of goals and trusting them to get the job done (DDM) versus hovering over their shoulder to check every step (traditional MDM).

Traditional MDM vs. Declarative Device Management (DDM)

Why DDM matters for IT teams

Leveraging DDM isn’t just a technical shift. It fundamentally improves how IT teams manage Apple devices:

• Faster policy enforcement: Devices apply configurations and security policies instantly without waiting for server check-ins.

• More reliable at scale: Less constant chatter between server and device lightens the network load, making large-scale device management smoother.

• Works even offline: Devices continue to enforce policies when disconnected from the internet.

• Better visibility: Devices proactively report significant changes, giving admins a real-time view of compliance and system health.

Deep dive for IT admins: How DDM works

For those who want to peek under the hood, DDM relies on three core components:

1. Declarations: Payloads the server defines and sends to the device (e.g., passcode requirements, app installs, Wi-Fi profiles). These define the desired state.

2. Status channel: A streamlined way for devices to proactively report changes back to the server. Instead of polling, the server gets notified only when something meaningful changes.

3. Extensibility: A flexible framework that allows devices and servers to communicate new capabilities automatically—making it easier to roll out new features and policies without heavy reconfiguration.

This architecture distributes responsibility: the server sets the goals, but the device enforces them. It’s lighter, faster, and far more resilient than traditional polling-based management.

How Rippling leverages DDM

Rippling integrates DDM into its unified IT platform, allowing Apple devices to autonomously maintain compliance with your company’s policies—whether employees are in the office, remote, or offline.

This means:

• Faster deployment of apps, profiles, and security settings

• Reduced network strain and improved scalability as your device fleet grows

• More resilient device management that doesn’t rely on constant server communication

Combined with Rippling’s all-in-one approach to identity, device, and access management, DDM ensures your Apple devices stay secure, compliant, and ready for work—without all the manual oversight.

Standardizing device policy configuration with DDM

Managing device policies shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. In many IT systems, settings for password requirements, operating system updates, and compliance live in different parts of the platform, often with separate workflows for computers and mobile devices. This fragmentation not only slows down IT admins but also makes it harder to confirm which policies are in place across the entire fleet.

Rippling solves this with a unified Policies tab, where you can configure, deploy, and audit every device policy—across macOS, Windows, iOS, and iPadOS—from one location. Pre-filled templates help you meet SOC 2, NIST, and CIS Level 1 or 2 standards in just a few clicks, or you can build fully customized policies to match your exact requirements.

For Apple devices, Rippling takes this one step further by leveraging DDM. Instead of waiting for a device to “check in” before receiving a policy update, DDM allows devices to instantly apply new settings and proactively report their compliance status. Whether you’re enforcing password complexity, deferring OS updates, or rolling out a new security policy, updates are pushed in real time, keeping every device aligned with your standards automatically.

Policy settings managed in Rippling

• Passcode & Password Policies: Enforce passcode changes, update frequency, complexity, length, alphanumeric requirements, and prevent reuse of recent passwords.

• Device Lock & Screen Timeout: Control inactivity lock times, screen saver activation, grace periods, and automatic lock after failed login attempts.

• Login Attempt Management: Configure maximum failed attempts, reset delays, and enable/disable alternative sign-in methods.

• OS Upgrade & Update Deferrals: Defer major, minor, and non-OS updates across macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Windows; control installation of beta or preview releases.

• OS Update Enforcement: Enforce specific OS versions, set enforcement dates and times, send notifications, and require rapid security responses.

• Automatic Updates & Installation Timing: Allow or block auto-updates, downloads over metered networks, and user pause controls; set daily or weekly installation schedules.

• Security Update Controls: Require security updates, mandate admin credentials for updates, and enforce installation when they’re available.

• Cross-Platform Enforcement Frequency: Set how often devices must check in to apply passcode policies across macOS and Windows.

This combination of centralized policy management, industry-standard templates, and DDM’s next-generation protocol gives IT teams granular control without the manual overhead—freeing you to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive policy enforcement.

The bottom line

Apple designed Declarative Device Management to be the future of device management—and Rippling harnesses it to make managing Apple devices faster, more reliable, and more autonomous.

Whether you’re managing a handful of MacBooks or a global fleet of iPhones and iPads, DDM keeps your devices secure, compliant, and work-ready—without the endless back-and-forth of traditional MDM.

Want to see how Rippling streamlines Apple device management?

Book a demo to explore how Rippling simplifies IT across identity, device, and access management. Or start a 14-day free trial (no credit card required).