The Essential Guide to Testing Apple’s New Operating Systems
Apple @ Work
August 2024
PC Boss
The Imperative of Testing
Testing Apple’s new operating systems is far more than a precaution. It’s an essential process to ensure your organization’s devices, applications, and services operate seamlessly post-upgrade. Without thorough testing, you risk encountering significant disruptions—from application incompatibilities to hardware malfunctions—that could hinder productivity and security. By dedicating time to rigorous testing, you can preemptively identify and resolve potential issues, ensuring a smooth transition when the official OS versions are released.
Crafting an Effective Apple Beta Testing Plan
Diversify Your Testing Scenarios
Begin by testing across a variety of platforms and environments. Start with a clean, non-production device, configuring it as if it were new. This approach provides insights into how the new OS performs in a pristine environment. Once this baseline is established, move on to devices currently running the existing OS, upgrading them and repeating the tests. It is crucial to test on actual hardware rather than virtual machines to capture accurate results. Ensure that all device types used in your organization are tested to anticipate the various scenarios your employees might encounter during upgrades.
Additionally, incorporate diverse testing scenarios, including enrolling devices into your Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Identity Provider (IdP) systems. If your organization utilizes Platform Single Sign-On (SSO), it’s critical to test its functionality thoroughly.
Prioritize Core OS Functionality
Next, focus on fundamental OS operations—installation, upgrades, network connectivity, and accessory compatibility. Particular attention should be given to USB-C docks and hubs, as their behavior often changes after OS upgrades. If your organization relies on a standardized set of tools or accessories, ensure they are all rigorously tested.
Simulating real-world usage is key during this phase. Connect devices to your organization’s networks, test external peripherals, and verify that all standard features work as expected. Identifying issues at this stage can prevent significant disruptions when the OS is officially rolled out.
Thoroughly Evaluate Critical Applications
Shift your focus to the applications your organization depends on. Conduct extensive testing of key workflows for macOS and iOS applications that are essential to your operations. While these apps may not yet be optimized for the new OS features, it is imperative to identify any issues early and communicate them to the respective development teams. This proactive approach ensures that necessary updates or fixes are in place before the official OS release.
Pay special attention to the applications critical to your team’s daily operations, such as productivity suites and specialized software. Monitor for any performance issues, glitches, or crashes, document these problems, and collaborate with developers to resolve them promptly.
Assess and Secure Your Environment
Evaluate your organization’s environment, including essential services like email, VPNs, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) security tools, to ensure compatibility with the new OS. Since you typically have a 90-day window post-release to upgrade, it’s important to communicate with vendors during your testing phase to confirm they are ready for the transition.
Testing your zero-touch enrollment process is also vital. This feature streamlines device setup for new employees, so it’s crucial to verify its compatibility with the new OS versions. Conduct multiple tests to ensure the enrollment process is smooth and resolve any issues that arise.
Top 10 Q/A
Why should I prioritize testing on actual hardware over virtual machines?
Testing on actual hardware provides more accurate results and helps uncover hardware-specific issues that virtual machines might not reveal.
What steps should I take if an app isn’t optimized for the new OS?
Document any issues and immediately report them to the app’s development team to ensure compatibility updates are addressed before the OS’s official release.
How can I effectively test different network environments?
Simulate various network environments, including corporate networks, VPNs, and external Wi-Fi connections, to verify consistent connectivity and functionality across all scenarios.
How should I handle accessories that change behavior after an OS upgrade?
Identify the affected accessories, document the issues, and contact vendors for firmware updates or alternative solutions to ensure continued compatibility.
What’s the best approach to testing MDM configurations with the new OS?
Perform comprehensive tests of device enrollment and management through your MDM with the new OS, ensuring all processes work seamlessly without errors.
What should I do if a critical security tool isn’t compatible with the new OS?
Contact the vendor immediately to inquire about a compatibility update. If none is available, consider delaying the OS upgrade for devices relying on that tool.
How can I ensure SSO integrations function properly with the new OS?
Conduct thorough tests of your SSO setup, verifying that all login processes, permissions, and integrations work correctly with the new OS.
What are the risks of delaying the OS upgrade?
While delaying the upgrade gives you time to address compatibility issues, you must complete the upgrade within 90 days to maintain support and security.
How do I verify the zero-touch enrollment process with the new OS?
Simulate the setup of new devices using the zero-touch enrollment feature, ensuring the process is smooth and without issues.
What should I communicate to my team during the testing phase?
Keep your team informed about potential issues, expected timelines for resolutions, and best practices for navigating the new OS to minimize disruptions.
BOSS LEVEL TIP: Future-Proofing Your OS Testing Strategy
To minimize future challenges, establish a continuous testing and communication plan with your vendors and development teams. Regular engagement ensures you stay informed about compatibility updates and support for new OS versions. Additionally, consider implementing a staggered rollout strategy for OS upgrades within your organization. This approach allows you to monitor and address issues on a smaller scale before applying upgrades across the entire network. By staying proactive and prepared, you can ensure your organization remains at the forefront of technology advancements while maintaining stability and security.
As an Apple administrator, the arrival of Apple’s beta programs for macOS Sequoia, iOS and iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 marks a crucial time for your organization. While these updates bring exciting features and enhancements, they also necessitate comprehensive testing to ensure your infrastructure, applications, and devices remain compatible and functional. Effective testing is not just a routine task—it’s a vital step to safeguard your organization against potential disruptions.