Apple Configurator 2 is now out and there are some really cool new features available to people deploying Apple Configurator. Apple Configurator 2 now supports feature called Blueprints. A Blueprint is a set of configuration options (such as profiles, apps, etc) that are easily applied to devices by applying a given Blueprint. So basically a canned set of options that can be configured on a device. For example, you can have a Blueprint called Training that have training apps and settings for a training room network and then you can have another Blueprint for Kiosks, that have different apps for a kiosk, one app for a kiosk, an SSID for a kiosk wireless network, and throw that single app into Single User Mode. Pretty cool, since before you needed to have all this stuff in, select the appropriate options and then deploy them. Now, you can more quickly train student workers or deployment staff to get devices initially configured before deployment them in a school or company.
To install the new Apple Configurator, open up the App Store, search for Apple Configurator and then click on the Get button. It’s only 61MB so installs quickly.
Once installed, open Apple Configurator 2 from /Applications.
Another great new feature of Apple Configurator 2 is the command line interface for Apple Configurator: cfgutil. Go ahead and click on the Apple Configurator 2 menu and select Install Automation Tools from the menu.
When prompted,
Once installed, you’ll find cfgutil at /usr/local/bin/cfgutil. I’ve been working on some documentation for using the command line interface, so I’ll get it posted when I’m done. But for now, let’s go back to Apple Configurator 2 and click on Blueprints to make a new Blueprint.
From Blueprints, click on your new Blueprint.
From the Blueprint. you can add Apps, create Profiles and assign devices. Here, we’re going to click Profiles in the sidebar. Initially there won’t be any Profiles on the device. Click on New.
Click on File then click on New Profile.
The General screen just requires a new name. There are a few new options for profiles, as you can see by clicking on Restrictions and scrolling to the bottom.
There are a lot of new options for iOS devices. Many require device supervision. I’ll cover setting up devices and enabling supervision later. Using Advanced options, you can also clear passcode, obtain unlock tokens, start single app mode, and enable encrypted backups. Plenty of fun things to cover!