Pre-Stage Enrollment

Configuration settings defined in MDM that determine how devices will be enrolled and initially configured when going through Automated Device Enrollment (e.g., skipping Setup Assistant steps).

What to Know

Pre-stage enrollment configurations are essential for creating streamlined, consistent deployment experiences across ADE devices. By pre-defining which Setup Assistant screens to skip, which apps to install immediately, and which policies to enforce, IT can deliver devices that are ready for production use the moment users complete initial setup. Pre-stage configurations eliminate user confusion during enrollment, reduce setup time from hours to minutes, and ensure every device receives identical baseline configurations regardless of who sets it up or where they’re located.

Different device types, departments, or use cases often require different pre-stage configurations. A pre-stage for executive MacBooks might skip most Setup Assistant screens and pre-install productivity apps, while a pre-stage for shared iPads might enable Shared iPad mode and install educational apps. Well-designed pre-stage configurations are critical for zero-touch deployment, where devices ship directly to users without IT intervention.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Corporate IT creates pre-stage profiles for different employee roles. Sales MacBooks skip Setup Assistant screens for Siri and Apple ID, automatically install Microsoft Office and VPN clients, and enforce FileVault encryption. Finance iPads receive accounting apps and restrict app installation. Each pre-stage assigns devices to role-specific policies during enrollment, ensuring proper configurations without manual intervention.

MSP: MSPs configure client-specific pre-stage profiles in Apple Business Manager, each linked to the appropriate client’s MDM instance. When devices arrive for a new client deployment, the MSP assigns serial numbers to the correct pre-stage profile, ensuring devices automatically enroll to the right client account with client-appropriate branding, apps, and restrictions applied during setup.

Education: Schools create pre-stage profiles for different grade levels and device types. Elementary iPad pre-stages enable Shared iPad, skip Apple ID creation, and pre-install age-appropriate educational apps. High school MacBook pre-stages allow Apple ID but enforce restrictions on app installation. Each pre-stage ensures devices are classroom-ready immediately after Setup Assistant completes.

In Addigy

Addigy’s pre-stage enrollment configuration is accessed through the Automated Device Enrollment settings. You create pre-stage profiles that define Setup Assistant customization, authentication requirements, device naming conventions, and which policies apply during enrollment. When a device serial number is assigned to Addigy in Apple Business Manager, Addigy automatically applies the appropriate pre-stage profile based on your assignments.

Addigy allows multiple pre-stage profiles for different device scenarios, with granular control over Setup Assistant screens, mandatory authentication, await configuration behavior, and priority deployment policies. You can assign specific pre-stage profiles to device groups, ensuring consistent enrollment experiences while maintaining flexibility for different organizational units or device purposes.