Managing iPads and iPhones in a supervised environment, especially for enterprise use, is a key task for IT administrators and businesses. In such setups, it’s essential to ensure that employees have easy access to the necessary apps while minimizing distractions by controlling the app layout on these devices. Organizing app icons on supervised iOS devices enables enterprises to optimize workflows, streamline app access, and maintain a professional home screen that meets company needs.

This blog provides a detailed guide on how to arrange app icons on supervised iPads and iPhones effectively, using an enterprise home screen setup. It also focuses on the process to follow for achieving a well-organized home screen layout for supervised iOS devices.

Importance of an Enterprise Home Screen Setup on iPad

In enterprise environments, managing iOS devices efficiently is crucial for ensuring productivity. A chaotic home screen layout can lead to delays as employees search for essential apps, while an optimized screen enhances focus and streamlines processes.

An enterprise home screen setup option for iPad is an essential feature offered by mobile device management (MDM) platforms that allows IT admins to design the layout of apps on the home screen. This feature ensures that important apps are always within easy reach, enhancing both usability and aesthetics, which can boost the user experience and the brand’s professionalism.

Why Arrange Apps on Supervised iPads?

1. Enhanced Productivity: Placing frequently used apps on the front page of the device minimizes the time spent searching for applications.
2. Controlled Environment: In an enterprise setting, companies often need to ensure that only certain apps are available to employees. Organizing the apps on the home screen helps reinforce this control.
3. Branding and Professionalism: A well-arranged home screen presents a more professional look to both employees and clients who might interact with the devices
4. Consistent User Experience: A standardized app layout across devices ensures that all users have a consistent experience, which simplifies device management and training
5. Security and Compliance: Managing the home screen layout ensures that sensitive or restricted apps are easily accessible for those who need them while keeping distractions and non-essential apps hidden.

Steps to Arrange App Icons on Supervised iPads and iPhones with VantageMDM

For those looking to arrange the app icons on supervised iPads and iPhones, the process is quite simple when using a mobile device management solution like VantageMDM. Here’s how to arrange the app icons effectively on supervised devices:

1. Click on Policies

Start by logging into your VantageMDM solution and navigate to the section where you can manage the device settings. The first step in this process is to access the "Policies" section. This is where you can control a wide range of device behaviors, including setting restrictions, managing apps, and adjusting security features.

2. Under iOS, Click on “Home Screen Layout”

Within the policies section, you’ll need to locate the configuration options specifically for iOS devices. Here, you will find a setting labeled “Home Screen Layout.” This is the key to organizing your app icons on the supervised iPads and iPhones. By clicking on this option, you will gain access to the settings where you can rearrange the app icons as needed.

3. Arrange Apps as per Your Requirement

Once in the "Home Screen Layout" section, you’ll be able to arrange the apps on the home screen according to your company’s needs. Here are a few best practices to consider while arranging apps:

• Group by Functionality: Place similar apps (e.g., productivity, communication, or media) in folders or next to each other to create a logical flow.
• Prioritize by Usage: Keep the most frequently used apps on the first screen to ensure employees can access them quickly.
• Consider Branding: If your company uses branded apps or other tools that need to be front and center, ensure they are visible and accessible on the first page.
• Use Folders for Organization: Creating folders for less frequently used apps can help reduce clutter and keep the home screen clean.

4. Save the Settings

Once you’ve arranged the apps to your satisfaction, make sure to save the settings. This step finalizes the layout and applies it to all the supervised devices under your management. Once saved, the changes will propagate to all the enrolled devices, ensuring that every iPad or iPhone in the enterprise is configured with the same home screen layout.

Enterprise Home Screen Setup Option for iPad

Many enterprises utilize an enterprise home screen setup option for iPad to enforce consistency and control across multiple devices. This feature, available in most MDM solutions, provides IT administrators with the ability to customize the layout of the home screen according to the company’s needs. Key benefits of using this feature include:

• Centralized Management: With an enterprise home screen setup, administrators can manage and deploy home screen layouts remotely, ensuring consistency across devices without needing physical access to each one.
• Custom App Layouts: IT teams can create specific layouts based on department or user role. For instance, customer-facing devices can have a different set of apps and layout compared to internal corporate devices.
• Reduced Device Downtime: By pre-configuring home screen layouts, companies can reduce the time needed for device setup, allowing employees to start using their iPads and iPhones immediately after enrollment.

Additional Tips on How to Arrange Apps on iPad

When deciding how to arrange apps on iPad devices for enterprise use, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

1. Utilize the Dock: The iPad’s dock can hold multiple apps, making it a useful tool for frequently accessed applications. Consider placing apps like email, browsers, and communication tools in the dock for easy access.
2. Leverage Focus Modes: For some industries, certain apps might only be necessary during specific hours. Leveraging Apple’s Focus modes can help hide unnecessary apps during off-hours or reduce distractions for users.
3. Integrate Widgets: Widgets are another great tool for enterprise iPads. They can provide at-a-glance information (such as weather or calendar events) without taking up the same space as an app. Place widgets on the home screen for efficiency.
4. Use App Folders Effectively: Grouping less frequently used apps into folders can help reduce clutter. For example, folders for “Productivity,” “Media,” or “Tools” can make the home screen much more organized and easier to navigate.

Organizing app icons on supervised iPads and iPhones is a critical task for any enterprise looking to improve efficiency, ensure security, and provide a consistent user experience. By following the steps outlined—accessing policies, arranging apps via the home screen layout option, and saving the configuration—businesses can achieve a streamlined and professional home screen layout for all users.

Also read: How to Setup Kiosk Mode in iPhone

Whether you’re managing a few devices or a large fleet, utilizing an enterprise home screen iPad setup through an MDM solution is essential for achieving productivity and keeping devices optimized for business use. With a well-organized layout, employees can focus on their tasks without distractions, enhancing both performance and brand image.