iMessage

Apple’s encrypted messaging service. Can be restricted via MDM to enforce corporate communication tools or prevent data leakage.

What to Know

iMessage restrictions are deployed to enforce corporate communication standards and prevent data leakage through unmonitored channels. Organizations standardizing on enterprise messaging platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or corporate email often disable iMessage to consolidate business communication in auditable, retention-compliant systems. iMessage’s end-to-end encryption, while excellent for privacy, prevents organizations from monitoring for compliance violations, data leaks, or policy breaches.

iMessage also creates eDiscovery and records retention challenges because message history syncs to personal iCloud accounts outside organizational control. Corporate discussions conducted over iMessage cannot be retrieved, audited, or preserved for legal hold, creating compliance risks for regulated industries.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Corporate IT restricts iMessage on business-purpose devices to enforce use of corporate-approved communication platforms that integrate with compliance systems, provide audit trails, and support eDiscovery requirements. Some organizations allow iMessage for informal team communication while requiring formal business discussions to occur in Microsoft Teams or Slack. IT typically restricts iMessage on shared devices like conference room iPads or retail kiosks to prevent personal messaging.

MSP: MSPs configure iMessage restrictions based on client communication policies and compliance requirements. Professional services clients (legal, financial, healthcare) often block iMessage entirely to maintain communication records in centralized systems. Tech or creative clients may allow iMessage for team coordination while using enterprise platforms for client-facing communication. MSPs should clarify iMessage policies during client onboarding to prevent user confusion.

Education: Schools restrict iMessage on student devices to prevent unsupervised communication during class time, reduce cyberbullying risks, and prevent students from sharing test answers or inappropriate content. Teachers typically have iMessage enabled for professional communication. Some schools allow iMessage only outside school hours using time-based restrictions.

In Addigy

Addigy’s Restrictions payload includes an “Allow iMessage” toggle that completely disables iMessage when unchecked. This restriction requires a supervised iOS/iPadOS device and prevents the Messages app from using iMessage (though SMS/MMS remain functional on cellular devices). The restriction applies immediately upon profile deployment. Addigy does not currently offer granular controls to allow iMessage only with organizational contacts—iMessage is either fully enabled or fully disabled.