Macs - Installing Apps Through SimpleMDM

Here are the options for installing apps through SimpleMDM (NoPkg App is not used):

Apple Store App: We do not use this method to deploy apps through SimpleMDM. There is an iOS option and a MacOS/TvOS option but, since we use VPP/ASM to distribute apps, we don't use this option.

Shared App: Shared apps are used by SimpleMDM to distribute to Macs through Managed Software Center. They are built-in apps ready to go and are updated by them. Options are limited though.

Custom App: This is what you will most likely need. When you download an app anywhere other than the App Store, you will most likely have either a .dmg file or a .pkg file. I'll explain this method below.

Custom App

Select Custom App from the dropdown in Apps & Media > Catalog > Add App. Find and download the app you need; either as a .dmg or .pkg file. If it's a dmg file, you can extract it on a Mac and then upload the pkg file. Either way, SimpleMDM should be able to handle either file type. Just drag and drop and then wait for SimpleMDM to process the file.

Back in the 'Catalog' menu, double-check that the file has finished processing. Then, go back to 'Groups' and create a new group for this app or add it to an already existing group if available. There may already be a group assigned to push out optional/required software for labs or sets of Macs. Check the device that will get this app and see what groups it belongs to and then see if you need to add/modify groups.

Once you have chosen the group, navigate to the group's Apps tab and add the app. Before saving, scroll over to see more app options since it's a little cut off (shown below):

Change the install type if needed. There are five different options: Managed, Self Serve, Default Installs, Managed Updates, and Managed Uninstalls.
- Managed - Installs the app automatically without user interaction. Users cannot defer or cancel the installation so, if it's required software, use this option.
- Self Serve - The app appears on Macs under the Managed Software Center 'app'. This is best when the software is an optional installation and not all machines need it. Users can install as needed.
- Default Installs - The app is installed during initial setup for newly enrolled Macs. It won't be installed on already enrolled Macs. This is useful if installing baseline or required software during initial enrollment.
- Managed Updates - SimpleMDM will manage any updates for this app but not the initial installation. Keeps software current.
- Managed Uninstalls - Removes the app from devices in the group. Use this when removing old software from the group.
Once assigned, double-check to make sure apps start installing. If there are any devices not receiving the app, try pushing all assigned apps and media from the device's SimpleMDM page.