In the Intune March (2303) service release, we have some exciting new developments, including two that will help IT admins be more productive administering the service and one that will improve your frontline worker's experience too. We're introducing a more consistent user interface (UI) and navigation in the Intune admin center. This will make daily device management easier. We've also added a frequently requested Autopilot app capability, which allows apps to be optional in the pre-provisioning technician phase. Finally, we're bringing a similar frontline worker experience for Android shared device mode to iOS and iPadOS.
As you use these new capabilities, let me know if you've got feedback on them. Comment on this post or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Intune admin center updates for a more consistent administrative experience
We're making updates to the Devices area in the admin center that will provide a more consistent IT admin experience, more capable controls, and better navigation. The changes, in public preview, will make it easier for IT admins to get to their destination faster and find the information they need.
Benefits of the update include:
- A scenario-focused navigation structure that brings monitoring in line with management workflows
- New in-line monitoring pages with easy access to key metrics and reports
- A more consistent way to search, sort, and filter data across list views
Users can now opt in to the public preview to try out the new experience. The release will be live this week across all environments, including Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud High (GCC High).
Here's a video showing how it works:
For more information including screen captures of the new UI, read our blog post on the New Microsoft Intune Devices experience or our docs on how to Try new Devices experience in Microsoft Intune.
Windows Autopilot update offers options for app install pre-provisioning process
Getting users the apps they need to be productive on a new or reprovisioned Windows device is a core reason to use Windows Autopilot. Getting that device pre-provisioned quickly gives IT admins productivity too.
This month we have the option to allow IT admins to select whether they want to attempt to install required applications on the Enrollment Status Page (ESP) during the pre-provisioning phase.
When IT admins are getting a device ready for a user, they want to install as many apps as possible to minimize setup time. However, sometimes non-critical apps can fail during installation and cause the entire provisioning to start over. This new ESP option enables IT admins to choose which apps are critical, so setup is only blocked if critical apps fail.
This feature benefits IT pros by allowing them to add more apps to devices during pre-provisioning, reducing end user setup time and ensuring provisioning process succeeds when critical apps get installed. It also benefits end users - when they receive their devices, critical apps will be installed, and they will have a head start on installing apps that may be required for their specific business unit.
This feature can be enabled within the ESP profile today. Since the Autopilot capability is not available today in GCC High, this capability will also not be supported in that environment.
Azure AD shared device mode benefits frontline workers using Apple devices
Frontline workers, including first responders, healthcare and field service workers, and flight crew members, often share mobile devices on the job. This can cause issues in terms of data protection and security. We're excited to announce a new solution to this challenge for iPhones and iPads.
Intune now supports Azure Active Directory shared device mode and the Microsoft Enterprise SSO plug-in for iPhones and iPads.
These new features offer a way for admins to configure iPhones and iPads so they can be easily and securely shared by multiple employees. Shared device mode allows employees to use single sign-in and quickly access critical apps. When they sign out, all their personal data is cleared and the device is ready for the next user, with privacy and data protection in place. Device mode also provides Microsoft identity-backed management of devices.
While shared device mode has already been available for Android devices through Intune, customers with Apple devices have had to use third-party mobile device management solutions to enable this scenario. The new capability enables them to do this via Intune, saving time and money—and supporting frontline workers. We currently have no timeline for feature release in GCCH, but if you've got a use case for it in that environment, please let me know!
Let us know what you think
Finally, I'd be remiss in highlighting new capabilities in March if I didn't mention the new Microsoft Intune Suite which we announced on March 1st! Read more about the new Intune Suite capabilities. Have any thoughts on this month's new releases? Let us know! Please share your comments, questions, and feedback by commenting on this post or connect with me on LinkedIn. We'll be back next month to share more updates.
