When it comes to managing enterprise mobility, one question continues to divide IT teams: Apple or Android? With both platforms offering robust enterprise capabilities, the real challenge lies in choosing the right ecosystem—or managing both strategically.

Whether you’re rolling out hundreds of iPhones to field staff or deploying cost-effective Android devices for a frontline workforce, the choice you make impacts your security posture, user experience, and total cost of ownership.

This blog dives into the pros and cons of Apple vs. Android for mobile device management (MDM)—so you can make an informed, future-ready decision. 

Understanding Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a centralized software platform used by enterprises to secure, configure, monitor and support all mobile endpoints—smartphones, tablets and even laptops—across their network. A robust mdm mobile device management solution enables IT teams to:

• Onboard and enroll devices automatically (BYOD or corporate-owned)

• Push security policies (passcodes, encryption, jailbreak/root detection)

• Distribute and update corporate apps (iOS App Store, Android Play, in-house)

• Enforce OS and patch management across iOS, Android and other platforms

• Remotely lock, wipe or quarantine lost or compromised devices

• Segment corporate data via containerization or work profiles

By unifying these capabilities into a single console, MDM reduces administrative overhead, hardens endpoint security and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), all while preserving end-user productivity.

According to recent forecasts, the global mobile device management market will soar from USD 15.75 billion in 2025 to USD 81.72 billion by 2032—registering a CAGR of 26.5%. 

Apple vs. Android: Enterprise Readiness Breakdown

1. Security & Compliance

• Apple: Known for its tightly controlled ecosystem, Apple leads with encryption, secure boot, sandboxing, and timely security updates.
• Android: Offers robust security—especially with Android Enterprise—but patching and consistency depend on OEMs. Android’s flexibility means higher control, but also more oversight

2. Device Variety & Customization

• Apple: Offers a limited but premium selection with uniform performance. Great for standardizing across a fleet.
• Android: Boasts a wide array of devices—from flagship phones to rugged, low-cost models—ideal for diverse use cases and budgets.

3. MDM Integration & Deployment Tools

• Apple Business Manager (ABM): Enables zero-touch enrollment, app control, and policy enforcement. Works best with solutions like Jamf or Intune.
• Android Enterprise: Supports work profiles, kiosk modes, zero-touch enrollment, and a broad set of management APIs.

4. App & Content Management

• Apple: Managed app configurations, VPP (Volume Purchase Program), and secure document sharing are well-integrated.
• Android: Offers similar capabilities via managed Google Play and enterprise app stores, with greater customization.

When to Choose Apple for MDM

• You prioritize data security, rapid OS updates, and a consistent user experience.
• You’re rolling out a standardized device fleet for a highly regulated industry.
• Your IT team prefers simplicity in deployment and support.

When to Choose Android for MDM

• You need device diversity—from rugged tablets to budget phones.
• You want customization and control over configurations and workflows.
• You’re managing a BYOD or hybrid fleet and need container-based separation.

What About a Mixed-Device Strategy?

Can’t decide? You’re not alone. Many enterprises opt for a cross-platform MDM strategy, using unified tools like Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, or Hexnode to manage both ecosystems under a single pane of glass.

This hybrid approach provides:

• Device flexibility for diverse teams
• Policy consistency across platforms
• Cost optimization by aligning device types to business roles

It’s about creating a secure, efficient mobile ecosystem—regardless of operating system. 

Choosing the Right MDM Strategy: Apple vs. Android

Both Apple and Android offer world-class capabilities for mobile device management. The real question isn’t which is better?—but rather, which is better for your specific business needs?

Selecting a mobile device management strategy isn’t about picking sides—it’s about aligning to business goals, security requirements, and IT capabilities.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Device Mix: Know your BYOD-to-corporate device ratio. This shapes the level of mobile device management iOS and Android support you need.
  
  
• Security Requirements: Compare your industry’s compliance standards with each platform’s capabilities.
  
  
• IT Skill Sets: Consider your IT team’s familiarity with each ecosystem and the MDM’s ease of use.
  
  
• User Experience Impact: Security shouldn’t hinder productivity. Choose an MDM mobile device management platform that’s transparent to end users.
  
  
• Cost of Ownership: Factor in licensing, training, support, and scaling costs when evaluating MDM solutions.

Key MDM Features: Bridging the Gap Between Apple and Android

An enterprise mobile device management platform should offer a comprehensive suite of features that effectively manage both iOS and Android devices. Here are some essential capabilities:

• Unified Device Enrollment: Streamlined enrollment processes for both Apple (via ABM) and Android (via Android Enterprise or other methods) are crucial for efficient deployment.
  
  
• Application Management: The ability to deploy, update, and manage applications across both platforms, including silent installations, whitelisting/blacklisting, and managing app configurations.
  
  
• Robust Security Policy Enforcement: Implementing and enforcing consistent security policies across all devices, including passcode complexity, encryption requirements, remote lock/wipe, and geofencing.
  
  
• Configuration Management: Remotely configuring device settings such as Wi-Fi, VPN, email profiles, and certificates for both iOS and Android.
  
  
• Compliance Monitoring and Reporting: Real-time visibility into device compliance status, allowing administrators to identify and remediate security risks across the entire mobile fleet.
  
  
• Content Management: Securely distributing and managing corporate documents and resources on both mobile device management iOS and Android devices.

• BYOD Support: Implementing secure containers or work profiles to manage corporate data on personally owned devices without compromising user privacy on both operating systems.

Why Brilyant is the Right MDM Partner for You
At Brilyant, we understand that the future of enterprise mobility isn’t about choosing between Apple or Android—it’s about managing both seamlessly and securely.

We help businesses of all sizes:

• Choose the right mobile OS strategy based on role, risk, and ROI
• Implement leading enterprise mobile device management solutions tailored to your ecosystem
• Deliver secure, scalable, and user-friendly deployments across iOS and Android
• Optimize licensing, integration, and ongoing device lifecycle management

Whether you’re deploying thousands of devices or building a new BYOD program, Brilyant is your trusted enterprise mobile development partner—empowering you to take control of your mobile workforce with confidence.

Ready to make the right call? Let’s build your ideal MDM strategy—together.