Why you should update your school iPads regularly

To keep your classroom running smoothly, you should update your school iPads regularly.

This ensures your devices are safe, secure and function properly. Regular updates are a key aspect of looking after your school iPads, so should be part of your IT maintenance schedule.

Many believe it’s a hassle to update your school iPads, but it can be done very quickly if you have the right systems in place.

Here, we’ll explore exactly why you need to update your school iPads and offer some advice on how to do so. Let’s go!

Why is updating school iPads so important?

There are four core reasons why you need to update your school iPads.

1. Boost device security

With each update, Apple improves the security of your devices. Any vulnerabilities in the last update will be patched over and your device will be better protected.

This happened a few months ago when the ‘Spectre’ and ‘Meltdown’ issues were identified in iPads and iPhones. These flaws in security allowed hackers to enter your system and steal data.

It’s especially important for schools to update their iPads regularly, as these devices often contain sensitive information about students that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

2. Ensure your operating system is compatible with new apps

The app library is a real bonus for iPads in school. However, if you don’t update your school iPads regularly, your devices may be unable to keep up with these apps.

Help your students achieve top grades by keeping their apps and their devices up to date.

3. Improve usability

Each update is designed to improve the user experience. They may take some getting used to, but these updates will help your students use school iPads in the most effective way.

4. Extend lifespan

Certain updates, like IOS 10, can keep your battery running longer. This is because they often include energy-saving technologies as part of the update.

This will stop you having to replace your iPads every few years, especially if you combine updates with other maintenance measures.

Example of an update: IOS 11

You don’t need to take our word for it, we can show you how new updates can improve your school iPads.

• Spectre/Meltdown patch – stops hackers accessing data
• Bolder text – improves readability
• Customisable control centre – gives easy access to important apps and personalises experience
• Apple pencil improvements – allows you to take notes in more apps and draw in others (iPad Pro users only)
• Files app – allows you to easily find the files you need for your lessons
• Document scanner – sends letters home via the iPad so parents can sign them. Makes documents easy to share and save and streamlines the entire process.

How to update your school iPads quickly and efficiently

Updating your school iPads is an essential part of device maintenance in a school, and you need to commit to it.

Be on the lookout for news about iPad updates, and check your devices regularly to see if any are available.

Plan to update your school iPads when it will cause the least disruption. Make sure it’s outside of school hours, or, even better, do it during the school holidays – just in case something goes wrong and you need to start over.

Speed up the process by using a Device Enrolment Plan (DEP) and mobile device management system (MDM). These allow you to control all your school iPads from one device and make changes quickly and easily.

To update or reconfigure your school iPads, all you need to do is put your devices in an iPad trolley where they can charge, and your IT department can initiate the changes.

So that’s it; a quick guide to why you should update your school iPads regularly and how you should do it. We hope it helped!

If you need some help managing your school iPads, talk to our experts today!