As Apple rolls out its first set of Apple Intelligence (AI) features in macOS 15.1 and iOS 18.1, business owners and operations leaders have a lot to consider. Apple Intelligence brings new tools to help streamline and enhance productivity—like improved Siri, enhanced writing tools, math utilities, priority notifications, and email summaries. But, as with any major update, there are key implications for your business, particularly regarding privacy, data security, and control over device usage.
For our managed clients, we’re already taking steps to block the new features until they have the time to consider whether and how to release them into your organization.
Security First: Protecting Your Business Data
Apple’s approach to AI prioritizes user and organizational privacy, ensuring that data for on-device AI features stays strictly on the device. However, understanding when and how to implement these features is essential for privacy-conscious industries, particularly those bound by NDAs, HIPAA, or other regulatory standards that demand high levels of data protection.
Key Takeaway: For any business wanting to control these new AI features, utilizing Apple’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system is essential. MDM is the only effective way to block or limit Apple Intelligence on company devices.
A Phased Rollout: What to Expect and How to Prepare
This update represents just the beginning—additional AI tools like Image Generation and ChatGPT integration are expected later this year. Since Apple is releasing these features in waves, ongoing updates to your MDM settings will be necessary to maintain control as new functionalities become available.
Our Recommendation: Tread Lightly and Make Informed Decisions
For now, we strongly recommend blocking Apple Intelligence features, as well as a new macOS 15 feature called iPhone mirroring, until you have time to assess their full implications for your business. iPhone mirroring, in particular, is worth close attention. While it enables convenient cross-device functionality, it can result in some personal data from an employee’s iPhone appearing on a company-owned Mac. This can include notifications, file transfers, and even breadcrumbs of the iPhone applications with which the user interacts. This presents not only a potential privacy issue for the employee but also a potential liability for your business.
Updating your Acceptable Use Policies to reflect these new settings is a critical next step in maintaining a secure digital environment.
Remember: While Apple is making impressive strides toward privacy-focused AI, we always recommend taking a cautious, measured approach when it comes to new features impacting security and privacy. It’s essential to stay informed and proactive, keeping in mind the unique needs and risks of your organization.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in learning more about the upcoming Apple Intelligence features, check out Apple’s announcement page and their white paper overview of the technical aspects of Apple Intelligence and their approach to privacy.
