AllYouCanTech

Apple in the Office: The Significance of Macs, AI, and Weaknesses in Corporate Security

**The Expanding Influence of AI in the Workplace: Hurdles and Strategies for Mac Administrators**

As the realm of corporate technology transforms, Apple devices, especially Macs, are becoming more common in contemporary knowledge work settings. This transformation includes the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into regular applications, presenting both prospects and obstacles for IT departments. The swift incorporation of AI poses a considerable challenge for IT teams, particularly regarding visibility and security.

### The Surge of AI in the Workplace

AI tools have become omnipresent, integrated into various applications that employees engage with daily. Ranging from writing assistants to web-based solutions, these tools boost productivity but frequently function beyond the oversight of IT departments. This trend, identified as Shadow IT, presents a danger since numerous organizations lack awareness about the AI tools being used and the confidential data that might be unintentionally exposed.

A study by 1Password reveals that only 21% of security leaders possess complete insight into the AI tools implemented within their organizations. This absence of monitoring can result in major vulnerabilities, primarily when sensitive company information is processed through AI applications that might store or learn from uploaded content.

### The Necessity of Visibility

To alleviate risks related to AI tool usage, Mac administrators should emphasize visibility. Collaborating with security teams is crucial in pinpointing which AI tools are employed across the organization. This might necessitate the development of reporting systems for network activity, monitoring application installations, and utilizing SaaS discovery tools. Engaging with employees to comprehend their incorporation of AI into their workflows is also vital, as it helps IT teams establish an extensive database of AI tools and their data management practices.

### Challenges in Policy Enforcement

While formulating security policies is essential, ensuring their application is equally critical. The swift adoption of AI often surpasses the capacity of IT teams to implement these policies effectively. Employees usually do not aim to circumvent security protocols; instead, they look for efficient methods to accomplish their tasks. This creates a conundrum for IT departments, as unauthorized AI usage can lead to data breaches and a lack of control over sensitive information.

Mac administrators must create clear standards regarding what qualifies as acceptable AI usage. This includes outlining enforcement measures—whether that entails blocking access to specific tools, logging usage, or discussing with employees regarding their choices.

### Tackling Identity and Access Management

One of the most urgent challenges in managing AI tools is the inadequacy of conventional identity and access frameworks. Employees frequently grant AI tools access to sensitive systems and data, which may result in security lapses if not properly supervised. Unlike human users, AI agents necessitate distinct identity management strategies to ensure they are recognized as legitimate entities within the organization’s security architecture.

Apple’s developments in Platform SSO and Managed Apple Accounts offer a basis for linking identities to devices. However, organizations must extend these principles to non-human agents, guaranteeing that their access and conduct are monitored and regulated.

### The Role of Mac Admins in AI Security

As AI integration in workplace environments intensifies, the duties of Mac administrators will broaden. Relying solely on Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions is no longer sufficient; a proactive stance is essential to address the intricacies introduced by AI.

Mac admins should prioritize understanding the risks associated with AI tools, cultivating collaboration with security and legal teams to enforce effective policies. This encompasses maintaining visibility into tool usage, adjusting enforcement strategies to match actual behaviors, and developing identity models that include both human and machine users.

### Conclusion

The incorporation of AI into the workplace offers both advantages and challenges for organizations utilizing Apple devices. By emphasizing visibility, effectively enforcing policies, and adapting identity management strategies, Mac administrators can navigate the complexities of AI in the enterprise. As the environment continues to change, proactive actions will be vital to protect sensitive information and ensure a secure working atmosphere.

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Evaluating iPadOS 26: Is the iPad Now Operating as a Computer? [Video]

The moment Apple unveiled iPadOS 26, it seemed as though iPad users had at last been acknowledged. For years, the iPad was always “almost there.” It possessed the robust hardware, yet the software limited the experience for most users. With iPadOS 26, that discrepancy is nearly resolved. The updated windowing system, enhanced multitasking, and improved file management make the iPad feel more computer-like than it ever has before.

Thus, the next logical question arises: can an iPad serve as your sole computer? Let’s dissect this.

A significant reason this notion surfaced is that the current M4 MacBook Pro is listed on Amazon for $1299 (incredible value). The M4 iPad Pro retails for $1199. This comparison is worth examining.

### Internal Specs

Let’s begin with the “on paper” comparison. Both the M4 iPad Pro and the M4 MacBook Pro utilize the same chip, so their raw performance is essentially indistinguishable.

– **Geekbench single-core:** ~3700 for both
– **Geekbench multi-core:** ~13,500–14,500
– **GPU score:** 50,000–60,000 depending on conditions

From a performance perspective, there is no disadvantage on either device. However, regarding RAM in the base models, the iPad Pro starts with 8GB of RAM, and you can only access 16GB of RAM if you upgrade to the 1TB storage variant. In contrast, the base M4 MacBook Pro comes standard with 16GB of RAM. Therefore, while raw power is equivalent, the MacBook Pro offers slightly more capacity when comparing the base models.

### External Hardware

This is where the distinctions between the devices become evident. One is a tablet at its core, while the other is a conventional laptop.

– **iPad Pro:** Ultra-slim at just 5.1mm, boasting one of the finest displays across all price ranges, featuring Promotion Tandem OLED. It includes one Thunderbolt USB-C port, and with the purchase of the Magic Keyboard, you gain an additional port in the hinge for charging.

– **MacBook Pro:** Bulkier yet relatively slim for its power. Its display features a 120Hz promotion mini-LED display. The MacBook truly excels in I/O with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, an SD card slot, MagSafe, and a headphone jack.

Battery life is another factor. The iPad Pro offers 8-12 hours of usage depending on tasks, while the MacBook Pro can easily extend to 16 to 20 hours.

### iPadOS 26 vs macOS 26

While iPadOS 26 has revolutionized the iPad, the two operating systems remain somewhat distinct. The iPad is a touch-centric computer, so much of the iPadOS 26 UI and UX retains that emphasis, but it also integrates some of the finest elements from macOS.

#### iPadOS 26

**Strengths of iPadOS 26:**

– New windowing architecture with infinitely resizable floating windows
– New multitasking arrangements: split view, triple split (both vertically and horizontally), quad view, and up to 12 floating windows
– Expanded dock accommodating up to 29 apps (previously limited to 18 apps)
– Revamped files app with background downloads, customizable columns and filtering, pinned folders and files in the dock, and new color tagging for folders
– Supports one external display with perfect scaling
– Supports cellular data
– Provides access to millions of iOS and iPadOS apps in the App Store

**Limitations of iPadOS:**

– No terminal access
– Lacks support for multiple external displays or clamshell mode
– Missing some desktop applications such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Xcode, and comprehensive Photoshop

#### macOS 26

**Strengths of macOS 26:**

– Capable of running traditional legacy applications like Final Cut Pro, Logic, Xcode, and the Adobe Suite
– Terminal and automation capabilities
– Multi-monitor support (up to 2+ external displays)
– A mature software ecosystem with decades of desktop-class applications

**Limitations of macOS:**

– No touch input
– Lacks pencil or tablet mode versatility
– No cellular connectivity
– Limited app store regarding the number of applications available

In summary: iPadOS 26 makes the iPad Pro feel more akin to a Mac and enhances the iPad’s computer-like qualities. However, the MacBook Pro is the more reliable choice if you depend on professional applications, coding, or extensive multitasking.

### Final Thoughts – Which is Best for You?

Ultimately, the iPad Pro is designed for versatility. It can