In Apple’s MDM (Mobile Device Management) framework, precise location data from Macs (macOS devices) is generally not available to the MDM administrator. Unlike iOS devices, where location tracking can be enabled for lost devices, macOS limits the ability for MDM solutions to access location data due to stricter privacy guidelines for Mac users.
Here are the key points regarding location access:
- Standard Location Access: MDM cannot retrieve the precise geographic location of a Mac under normal circumstances. macOS does not have the same level of location services integration for MDM as iOS does.
- Lost Mode: On Macs, Lost Mode is not available as a feature, which is different from how it works on iPhones and iPads. For iOS devices enrolled in an MDM, Lost Mode allows the administrator to remotely lock the device and retrieve its location. However, this functionality does not extend to macOS.
For macOS devices, some features related to security and remote management are possible, such as:
- Remote Lock: You can remotely lock a Mac through MDM.
- Wipe Command: The Mac can be remotely wiped if it is lost or stolen.
In summary, precise location data is not available via MDM on Macs, and Lost Mode is not applicable to macOS. If location tracking is critical for your needs, you would have to rely on user-enabled services like “Find My” for Mac, which operate outside of MDM control.
Further reading
Device Enrolment and MDM – Apple Support (UK)
Device Enrolment allows organisations to have users manually enrol devices into a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
