Are you ready to be bombarded by requests for new iPhones, hit with an executive directive to upgrade the corporate fleet, or even plummeted by a slew of IT tickets reporting “broken phones”? As iPhones advance into the age of Generative AI, this could be the biggest mobile phone upgrade year yet with companies (and employees) wanting to arm themselves with the latest tools for productivity.
But upgrading a fleet of smartphones triggers a flurry of activities from fulfillment to trade-ins and phone recycling. Now more than ever, mobility teams need to be prepared. Here’s what’s coming next from Apple along with Tangoe’s top tips for seamless mobile modernization.
iPhone 16: AI Advancements
Apple is releasing its iPhone 16, which will likely introduce new GenAI and ChatGPT capabilities under its Apple Intelligence platform. With powerful AI models at the core, new features could include a smarter Siri, ChatGPT-enabled message writing, and the anticipated Action Button, which will trigger multi-step automation. For example, one click could mute your phone, draft an email to your team, or submit your standard order to Starbucks. These advanced actions could streamline repetitive tasks at work and at home.
Pre-orders and the release date are predicted in September. Exact dates are subject to change, as Apple keeps everyone guessing on their launch timelines.
Fleet Upgrades: Best Practices for Mobility Leaders
For mobility program leaders seeking to upgrade their fleets efficiently and cost-effectively, best practices are crucial. Consider these key considerations when upgrading iPhone device fleets.
Tip 1: Assess Your Smartphone Needs
Begin the upgrade process by conducting a comprehensive mobile audit of the organization’s current devices. Note how many iPhones you have and which ones are eligible for upgrade. Identify specific requirements such as hardware, software, and desired services and accessories. Evaluate data usage habits, knowing if an unlimited data plan or pooled plan will save your company more money.
If you’re a Tangoe client, it’s easy to leverage your mobile inventory to gather this data or perform a mobile cost optimization project to evaluate the data without taxing internal resources.
Tip 2: Consider Your Costs
When upgrading iPhones, mobility program leaders must consider the total cost of ownership. Assess the upfront purchase cost, leveraging economies of scale to reduce the unit price of each phone.
Don’t forget about ancillary costs including software licensing, help desk or technical support expenses, and ongoing maintenance for hardware repairs. Calculate TCO over the expected lifespan of the devices to determine the most cost-effective options. Mobile device management services can often lower your total costs across the device lifecycle, saving companies 20-30% on average.
Tip 3: Make Costs Predictable
Consider adopting Device as a Service (DaaS) models to help make mobility expenses more predictable. DaaS providers like Tangoe offer hardware leasing, software licensing, maintenance, and support as a bundled package. This strategy can help control costs, simplify device management, and provide flexibility in scaling device fleets quickly.
Tip 4: Identify the Best Trade-In and Buyback Programs
Trade-in, buyback, and recycling programs provide the opportunity to offset expenses by trading in existing devices or selling them back. The strongest programs give companies credits or cashback on their old phones regardless of their type, age, or condition. Using certified partners and recyclers that comply with federal regulations and environmental no-landfill policies is also important.
Tip 5: Simplify Provisioning and Deployment
Automated processes and standardized workflows can significantly streamline mobile device deployment times, reducing provisioning times. Utilizing enterprise mobility management solutions that enable remote device configuration can save hours, days, and weeks for mobility teams. Plus, automating software installations and supporting user onboarding saves time while reducing any unnecessary service downtime, which can reduce workforce productivity.
Tip 6: Consider Apple Support Services
Opt for iPhone devices from reputable manufacturers and maintenance from Apple certified partners known for their high-quality repairs and quick turnaround times. Prioritize devices and services that offer extended support periods and global capabilities to maximize their operational lifespan and reach. For example, Tangoe:
- Is an Apple Authorized Service Provider and Managed Service provider, and is also an Authorized AppleCare® for Enterprise reseller
- Gives clients a single, consolidated view into AppleCare for Enterprise, Apple Business Manager, and Apple GSX services for repairs
- Offers iPhone help desk services spanning across the globe, supporting 19 languages every hour of every day
- Supports corporate-owned or bring your own device (BYOD) iPhone devices
Tip 7: Streamline Mobile Security
Data wiping procedures will be an essential first step in migrating any fleet to new devices. Mobility leaders will want to ensure corporate data is erased from legacy phones according to federal security recommendations like the NIST guidelines. Learn more about end-of-life best practices for mobile devices.
The security of new iPhones will be the other critical step, as new devices will need to be:
- Enrolled into the company’s unified endpoint management (UEM) security program
- Pre-configured with security policies as part of the kitting and configuration
- Shipped to new users and securely deployed using a simple set-up wizard
- Monitored on an on-going basis using real-time data for security and compliance
Tangoe offers end-to-end services that help with iPhone security, including UEM setup and implementation — particularly with Jamf UEM software which specializes in Apple devices — as well as ongoing mobile security management.
Tip 8: Start Early
Put your orders in as quickly as possible, as the demand is expected to be intense. Mobile procurement ecommerce platforms, like Tangoe’s mobile store, can assist in simplifying and accelerating bulk iPhone orders.
Clients also enjoy it because our mobile store empowers employees to self-serve, making iPhone purchases on their own while also giving them guiderails. The platform delivers customized purchasing experiences, offering phones, services, and accessories only from corporate-approved carriers and suppliers.
Tip 9: Ask Tangoe for Help
As the mobile device management company handling more than 14 million devices on behalf of companies and end users all over the world, Tangoe is a trusted source of information and services enabling efficient mobile upgrades.
- With 110,000+ devices, a global logistics company lost track of device usage. Our audit and optimization services delivered $1.4M in savings.
- Contract renegotiation services saved a shipping leader 1,100 hours in productivity and $1.2M+ in mobile savings.
- Handling devices was painfully manual for network services provider Velaspan, who gained ROI in one year with mobile management, saving more than 300 hours in productivity.
When you’re ready to upgrade your fleet, talk to Tangoe.