From 14421d56ffeb267b86c0fd4284446b75ac2388c0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: melpike <79950145+melpike@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:42 -0600 Subject: [PATCH 1/4] Document host release process from Apple Business Added instructions for releasing a host from Apple Business in Fleet, including prerequisites and API usage. --- articles/apple-mdm-setup.md | 31 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 31 insertions(+) diff --git a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md index 54c4e0a134d..9ce6d6f436d 100644 --- a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md +++ b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md @@ -242,6 +242,37 @@ How automatic enrollment profiles are assigned: ![Fleet-AB-workflow](https://fleetdm.com/images/articles/abm-assignment-workflow.jpg) +### Release a host from AB + +> Available in Fleet Premium + +You can permanently release (disown) a host from Apple Business directly from Fleet. +This calls Apple's Disown Device API and removes the device from your AB account. + +**This action cannot be undone.** Once released, the device can no longer be automatically +re-enrolled via AB. The host will remain enrolled in Fleet until an admin manually +unenrolls or wipes it. + +**Prerequisites:** +- The host must be enrolled via AB (DEP) +- You must be a global admin or team admin + +**To release a host from AB:** + +1. Navigate to the **Host details** page for the host. +2. Select **Actions > Release from AB**. +3. Confirm the action in the modal. + +**To release multiple hosts via API:** + +`POST /api/v1/fleet/hosts/release_ab` + +See the [REST API documentation](https://fleetdm.com/docs/rest-api/rest-api#release-host-from-ab) +for details. + +> **Note:** Releasing a host from AB does not unenroll it from Fleet or wipe it. +> Admins must manually unenroll or wipe the host after releasing. + ### Re-enrolling AB hosts When an AB host re-enrolls in Fleet (e.g., after a wipe or OS reinstall), Fleet automatically: From 529ca7047853b6c57b8b0534cdbceb308a057450 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: melpike <79950145+melpike@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:03:09 -0600 Subject: [PATCH 2/4] Enhance ADE section with disowning device details Added information about disowning devices in ADE enrollment. --- articles/what-is-apple-business-a-complete-guide.md | 3 +++ 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+) diff --git a/articles/what-is-apple-business-a-complete-guide.md b/articles/what-is-apple-business-a-complete-guide.md index 5d338f39182..bba448792b8 100644 --- a/articles/what-is-apple-business-a-complete-guide.md +++ b/articles/what-is-apple-business-a-complete-guide.md @@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ AB has three core capabilities that work together to automate device provisionin Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) streamlines MDM enrollment by handling initial device setup through Apple's activation infrastructure. +ADE enrollment ties a device to your AB account. If a device needs to be permanently removed from your organization's AB (for example, during asset disposal, resale, or transfer to another organization) your MDM can call Apple's Disown Device API to release it. In Fleet, admins can do this directly from the Host details page or via the REST API. Once disowned, the device will no longer automatically enroll through your +AB on reset. **This action is irreversible.** + ### Volume purchasing and app distribution AB provides bulk app and content purchases with remote distribution that doesn't require employees to use personal Apple Accounts on-device. This gives you complete license management with remote deployment capabilities even if users or your organization has disabled the App Store on managed devices. From 312053412d99fdaac4d2c7395d6718dc4f70dca5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: melpike <79950145+melpike@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:24:46 -0600 Subject: [PATCH 3/4] Update references from AB to Apple Business --- articles/apple-mdm-setup.md | 14 +++++++------- 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md index 9ce6d6f436d..dcc5f61bb5d 100644 --- a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md +++ b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md @@ -242,25 +242,25 @@ How automatic enrollment profiles are assigned: ![Fleet-AB-workflow](https://fleetdm.com/images/articles/abm-assignment-workflow.jpg) -### Release a host from AB +### Release a host from Apple Business > Available in Fleet Premium You can permanently release (disown) a host from Apple Business directly from Fleet. -This calls Apple's Disown Device API and removes the device from your AB account. +This calls Apple's Disown Device API and removes the device from your Apple Business account. **This action cannot be undone.** Once released, the device can no longer be automatically -re-enrolled via AB. The host will remain enrolled in Fleet until an admin manually +re-enrolled via Apple Business. The host will remain enrolled in Fleet until an admin manually unenrolls or wipes it. **Prerequisites:** -- The host must be enrolled via AB (DEP) +- The host must be enrolled via Apple Business (DEP) - You must be a global admin or team admin -**To release a host from AB:** +**To release a host from Apple Business:** 1. Navigate to the **Host details** page for the host. -2. Select **Actions > Release from AB**. +2. Select **Actions > Release from Apple Business**. 3. Confirm the action in the modal. **To release multiple hosts via API:** @@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ unenrolls or wipes it. See the [REST API documentation](https://fleetdm.com/docs/rest-api/rest-api#release-host-from-ab) for details. -> **Note:** Releasing a host from AB does not unenroll it from Fleet or wipe it. +> **Note:** Releasing a host from Apple Business does not unenroll it from Fleet or wipe it. > Admins must manually unenroll or wipe the host after releasing. ### Re-enrolling AB hosts From fdfc7123759ca3267ca4621be6433d0a7b5db232 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: melpike <79950145+melpike@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:27:09 -0600 Subject: [PATCH 4/4] Clarify terminology for Apple Business hosts Updated terminology from 'AB hosts' to 'Apple Business hosts' for clarity. --- articles/apple-mdm-setup.md | 8 ++++---- 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md index dcc5f61bb5d..58dce75bbc1 100644 --- a/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md +++ b/articles/apple-mdm-setup.md @@ -273,17 +273,17 @@ for details. > **Note:** Releasing a host from Apple Business does not unenroll it from Fleet or wipe it. > Admins must manually unenroll or wipe the host after releasing. -### Re-enrolling AB hosts +### Re-enrolling Apple Business hosts -When an AB host re-enrolls in Fleet (e.g., after a wipe or OS reinstall), Fleet automatically: +When an Apple Business host re-enrolls in Fleet (e.g., after a wipe or OS reinstall), Fleet automatically: - Cancels pending MDM commands, script runs, and software installs - Clears completed commands, scripts, and software from the previous enrollment - Resets host labels -This means you **do not need to delete** an AB host from Fleet before +This means you **do not need to delete** an Apple Business host from Fleet before re-enrolling it. Fleet handles clearing stale state automatically. -> This automatic state clearing does not apply to hosts undergoing AB MDM migration. During migration, the host's existing state (labels, pending activity) is preserved to ensure a seamless transition from your previous MDM solution. +> This automatic state clearing does not apply to hosts undergoing Apple Business MDM migration. During migration, the host's existing state (labels, pending activity) is preserved to ensure a seamless transition from your previous MDM solution.