Remote working boosts demand for Apple devices among UK businesses

A new study commissioned by Kandji, the next-generation Apple device management and security company, has revealed that over half (58%) of UK businesses saw a surge in adoption of Apple devices over the last two years amidst the ongoing shift to remote and hybrid working practices. The survey was conducted among 250 senior IT decision makers and 1,051 remote and hybrid workers across the UK to examine the correlation between remote and hybrid work and Apple adoption in UK businesses. 

Remote employees call for more Apple devices 

Kandji’s research shines a light on the impact the shift to hybrid and remote working is having on employees' demands when it comes to the devices they use. Nearly three quarters (73%) of UK IT managers report that there has been an increase in employee requests for Apple devices, with nearly half (49%) saying Apple has been by far the most demanded device option in the past two years compared to other types of devices. Yet, results reveal a significant gap between demand and offering, with only 19% of the surveyed employees reporting they have the option of using an Apple device for work.

While Windows is still the preferred operating system, nearly a third of employees (29%) say that they would select an Apple macOS/iOS device if they had the option, and the same number (29%) report that they would be more likely to take up a job offer if they were offered an Apple device to work with. This preference is even more evident amongst Gen Z workers (those aged 18–24), with 47% stating they would opt for an Apple device over any other. Familiarity (48%), reliability (46%), and security (35%) are cited as the main reasons employees would choose Apple devices over others.

Adam Pettit, founder and CEO of Kandji said: “Work from anywhere is the new reality for employers. It is not surprising that this shift has driven greater adoption of Apple devices in business, in no small part due to greater confidence in their security features. In the face of the Great Resignation, businesses must offer their employees greater choice of work devices in order to attract the next generation of talent.”

Remote device management still a challenge for many businesses

Nearly two years after the shift to remote and hybrid working began, remote device management is still proving difficult for UK businesses, with 91% of IT managers admitting they are still facing challenges. Security is cited as the greatest issue when it comes to managing devices in a remote working environment. Specifically, ensuring security (53%), enforcing security policies (40%), and troubleshooting (37%) have been reported as  the top challenges for IT managers over the past two years.

Kandji’s research highlights some troubling device-management practices that could lead to serious security loopholes among UK businesses. According to the survey, over a third (36%) of UK businesses are leaving it to users to configure devices manually in the field. Only about a third (39%) of IT managers configure devices fully remotely using a mobile device management (MDM) system and zero-touch deployment, while 57% configure devices for employees before distributing them. 

Pettit added: “Remote and hybrid working means more devices out in the field, and more employees using their devices for both work and personal reasons - businesses must adopt a more security-conscious mindset to mitigate the risks this brings. Our research shows too many businesses are still relying on their employees to keep their data and devices secure instead of proactive tackling this issue.” 

As Apple continues to grow in popularity within enterprise settings and to address the growing market need for robust Apple device management throughout EMEA, Kandji has recently announced it is investing in its European presence with the opening of a new European hub in London. Led by recently hired EMEA General Manager, Richard Ainley, Kandji’s expansion will focus on the development of a team to support the rapid growth across the EMEA region. The company is aiming to invest at least $100m in Europe over the next five years and hire around 50 people over the next 12 months across sales, customer operations, marketing and support. Kandji already has around 150 customers in Europe.