How to Create and Deploy Custom App Configs for iOS via Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Introduction

When deploying iOS applications in an enterprise environment, administrators often need to pre-configure app settings—such as server URLs, usernames, or strict security toggles—so users do not have to set them up manually. This is achieved using Managed App Configuration (AppConfig). This guide explains the fundamental process of building an XML dictionary and pushing it to iOS devices via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform.

Prerequisites

You must have an MDM solution (like Jamf Pro, Microsoft Intune, or VMware Workspace ONE), iOS devices enrolled in the MDM, and an application that explicitly supports the AppConfig standard.

Step 1: Obtain the Configuration Keys

Not all apps support Managed App Configuration. For those that do, the developer must provide a list of supported keys (usually in their administrative documentation). For example, a corporate secure browser might support a key named DefaultHomePageURL (String) to set the homepage, and AllowCopyPaste (Boolean) to restrict data exfiltration.

Step 2: Construct the XML Dictionary

Most MDMs require you to input the configuration as an XML dictionary. The structure strictly follows Apple’s property list (plist) format. A basic configuration looks like this:

<dict>
    <key>DefaultHomePageURL</key>
    <string>https://intranet.company.com</string>
    <key>AllowCopyPaste</key>
    <false/>
    <key>PortNumber</key>
    <integer>443</integer>
</dict>

Ensure that the data types (string, false, true, integer) perfectly match what the app developer specified. A mismatch will cause the app to ignore the configuration.

Step 3: Input the Configuration into Your MDM

The exact steps vary by MDM provider, but the general workflow is:

1. Navigate to the Apps or Mobile Apps section of your MDM dashboard.
2. Select the iOS application you intend to deploy.
3. Look for a tab labeled App Configuration, Managed Configuration, or AppConfig.
4. Paste the XML dictionary you created in Step 2 into the configuration text box. (Some modern MDMs provide a GUI to enter key-value pairs instead of raw XML).
5. Save the app configuration.

Step 4: Deploy the App

Assign the app to a device group or user group. When the MDM pushes the application to the iOS device, it will simultaneously deliver a managed configuration payload. The next time the user launches the app, it will read the configuration from the operating system and automatically apply the server URLs, restrictions, and preferences you defined.