Understanding Apple in the Enterprise According to Survey Results

Earlier this year, an online survey gathered insights from 315 employers across diverse industries, job roles and geographical locations. These leaders shared their perspectives on integrating Apple devices into their organizations. In an era marked by uncertainty, business leaders face critical decisions to enhance their company's profitability, and this extends to their choices regarding employee devices.

Apple devices have gained popularity among corporate users across all organizational levels. Survey findings highlight increased attention toward Apple's suite of products, including Mac laptops, desktop computers, iPhones and iPads.

The popularity of Apple

As businesses continue to expand, Apple products are being incorporated more in the enterprise sector, spanning a wide range of employers. Today, many employees have the autonomy to select their preferred equipment, and recent data reveals a notable preference for Apple products over Windows or Android alternatives. In fact, 76 percent of large enterprises reported a surge in the adoption of Apple devices.

Some of those key findings include:

• A 66 percent increase in iPhone usage over the past year.
• 57 percent reported that Apple devices have outpaced other options, including Windows and Android.

When researchers inquired about the driving factors behind the increased adoption of iPads within companies, they received diverse yet consistent responses. These included:

• Meeting mobility needs.
• Responding to employee demands.
• Fostering a positive perception of the Apple brand.
• Adapting to hybrid and remote work models.
• Prioritizing security.
• Encouraging creativity.
• Leveraging a wide range of available apps.
• Embracing Apple's technological innovations.
• Accommodating workforce growth.
• Realizing cost savings.
• Benefiting from customizable accessibility features.

Notably, iPads emerged as the most frequently requested tablets, as reported by 67 percent of respondents.

The natural business decision

Apple devices offer distinct advantages, including faster performance, superior image quality, heightened productivity levels and more updates when compared to the average Windows or Android device. The frequent updates from Apple contribute to enhanced efficiency and fewer IT issues for employees. According to the survey, a significant number of employees prefer Apple devices due to their feature-rich nature. As a result, 87 percent of organizations have experienced tangible benefits from employees using Apple devices.

Key benefits identified in the survey include:

• A 55 percent increase in employee productivity, as reported by executives.
• A 56 percent preference for iPhone/iPad devices for remote or hybrid productivity.
• A strong belief, shared by 75 percent of IT professionals, that Apple devices offer superior security.
• A consensus among 76 percent of respondents that Apple takes enterprise security, compliance and privacy concerns more seriously than other vendors.
• Notably, 76 percent of employers believe that Windows or Android devices are more susceptible to cyberattacks, while 64 percent find Apple devices to be less vulnerable to breaches during attacks.

Apple device management

Numerous survey respondents expressed a desire to comprehend the benefits that are associated with deploying and managing Apple services for their employees. Findings revealed several key advantages, including high reliability, an extended device lifecycle, robust security features, versatile device management options and a strong focus on technical innovation. Additionally, 72 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, “iPhones and iPads are technically superior to Android alternatives.

Only 5 percent of respondents reported that their company lacks a device management practice and has no plans to implement one. In contrast, 35 percent indicated that their company boasts a fully mature device management practice, complete with advanced tools and processes. Additionally, 50 percent disclosed that their organization is actively in the process of developing its device management practices, with a commitment to ongoing investment in tools and methodologies.

Several large enterprises shared the tools they rely on to safeguard their Apple devices, which include mobile device management (MDM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), antivirus software, remote access solutions and vulnerability management tools. 93 percent of large enterprises expressed a desire for additional technical capabilities to enhance their Apple device management. Moreover, 56 percent noted that software update management has proven to be an effective strategy for securing increased investments in Apple devices.

In conclusion

As Apple devices continue to gain popularity in the enterprise sector, statistics demonstrate significant improvements in business outcomes, particularly in terms of productivity and security. While Apple's presence in the enterprise is an ongoing evolution, statistical evidence underscores its growing popularity and success.