Use Microsoft Intune to hide or make apps available on an iOS device

This blog provides instructions on efficiently uninstalling bundled and other applications from an iOS device. This is particularly beneficial for administrators aiming to maintain clean and organized devices, especially when specific apps are deployed across all devices but should remain inaccessible on certain ones, including native iOS apps like Podcasts and Books. This approach ensures optimal performance and a more visually appealing interface. Apple devices come with various default applications that, although useful for some, may not be necessary for everyone, particularly in a business setting.

Sometimes many applications clutter the home screen and potentially distract users from their primary tasks. By removing such unnecessary apps, the admin can streamline the user experience and enhance productivity. Fortunately, there is a straightforward method to accomplish this using Microsoft Intune which allows administrators to manage and configure devices remotely, providing the capability to remove unwanted applications efficiently. In the following sections, we will delve into the step-by-step process of utilizing Intune to remove these bundled applications, ensuring that your iPad remains tailored to the specific needs of your organization and its users.

You can achieve this by using the Show or Hide Settings feature in Intune. This feature is accessible on iOS devices with version 9.3 and later, as well as iPads with version 13.0 and later. However, certain native apps, such as "Settings," cannot be hidden. You can view the apps that can be deleted from an iOS device at https://support.apple.com/en-in/118582

Step 1: Go to the Intune admin center at https://intune.microsoft.com. Choose configuration under devices, click on Create, and select a new policy. Pick iOS/iPadOS under the platform and templates under the profile type. Select Device Restrictions and click on Create.

Step 2: Enter a profile name and choose to Show or Hide Apps. When you want to Hide some apps select the Hidden Apps option and to make visible only selected apps select the respective options from the Type of Apps list

Not configured (default): Intune does not modify or alter this setting.

Hidden apps: Provide a list of apps that are concealed from users. Users are unable to see or access these apps.

Visible apps: Provide a list of apps that users are allowed to see and open. Other apps will not be visible or accessible.

Submit the App Bundle ID and App name for the iOS application. You can locate these details on the Apple website at https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/deployment/depece748c41/web.

You can also hide other applications, such as Microsoft OneDrive, by entering their App URL and App Name. To find an app's URL, go to the App Store and search for the app, or use iTunes to find the app and copy the URL.

You can choose the apps that need to be hidden. I have selected the apps below as an example.

1. Calendar

2. Clips

3. Podcast

4. Books

5. Microsoft OneDrive

   
   

Step 3: Choose the appropriate group for deploying the configuration, then tap Next to verify the configuration. Tap Create to finalize the profile creation.

Note: These settings apply to supervised devices enrolled in Intune via Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager using automated device enrollment (previously known as DEP). This also covers devices supervised using Apple Configurator.

When the settings are configured to Hidden Apps

In this scenario, the added apps will be removed, but all other applications will remain accessible to the user.

The selected apps are removed; the left side displays the view before applying the configuration, and the right side shows the view after applying the configuration.

When the settings are configured to Visible Apps

In this situation, users can only access applications that are included in the Apps list, and all other applications will be inaccessible.

These settings can be applied to devices enrolled through ADE, Shared iPad, and to fulfill particular business needs.

Use Case 1: Remove all bundled or pre-installed apps from an iOS device

Use Case 2: Access certain applications and conceal all other apps

Conclusion

This blog offers guidance on how to hide or access apps on an iOS device. These settings are specifically for devices enrolled in Intune via ADE enrollment. This enables users to enhance productivity by showing only necessary apps and removing unwanted ones, resulting in a tidier interface. Eliminate all bundled or pre-installed apps from an iOS device, access specific applications, and hide all other apps.