Shared iPad overview

Shared iPad allows more than one user to sign in to an iPad. The iPad must be supervised before Shared iPad can be used. Shared iPad can be used not only in education but also in business. Multiple users can use the iPad, and the user experiences can be personal even though the devices are shared.

Shared iPad requires a mobile device management (MDM) solution and Managed Apple Accounts that are issued and owned by the organization. Users with a Managed Apple Account can then sign in to Shared iPad, which is owned by the organization. Devices must have at least 32 GB of storage and be supervised. Shared iPad is supported on:

All iPad Pro models
iPad (5th generation) or later
iPad Air 2 or later
iPad mini (4th generation) or later

Classroom app

Teachers can also use the Classroom app for iPad or the Classroom app for Mac with Shared iPad. With Classroom, educators can take full advantage of iPad—helping students stay on task by using Classroom tools to manage common classroom workflows. To see the requirements for Classroom with Shared iPad, see the Classroom User Guide.

For example, in the classroom, transitions from class to class are greatly simplified. It’s easier to pick up right where students left off, and their work is automatically saved. When used with Classroom, intelligent caching helps accelerate student sign-ins by returning students to an iPad they previously used.

Unmanaged nearby classes in the Classroom app

In iPadOS 17.4 and macOS 14.4, or later, this feature allows instructors with Managed Apple Accounts to create and use unmanaged nearby classes in Classroom (instead of Apple School Manager classes).

Shared iPad Temporary Session

In iPadOS 13.4 or later, any user has the ability to initiate a temporary session without the need for a user name or password by tapping Guest at the login screen. When a guest logs out, all their data—including browsing history—is deleted. In a temporary session, any user can unlock and access the iPad without a password. Users working in a temporary session should take this into account if they’re signed in to any websites or apps. Because a Managed Apple Account isn’t required, apps that use or require iCloud or cloud-based storage may not be supported.

Using Temporary Sessions with Shared iPad also prevents users from modifying account settings or signing in to Apple services. For example, users can’t sign in to Messages or the App Store.

Temporary Sessions on Shared iPad with iPadOS 17 or later can use the QuotaSize key for the temporary user. This key helps reserve sufficient space to install apps or other media while a user is signed in.

Note: Purchased books can’t be assigned in a temporary session on Shared iPad, because books can be assigned only to users with a personal Apple Account or Managed Apple Account.

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Apple Platform Deployment

Shared iPad overview

Classroom app

Unmanaged nearby classes in the Classroom app

Shared iPad Temporary Session