Intune vs. Jamf Pro vs. Kandji: The IT Leader's Guide to Apple Management in 2026

For years, the decision logic for endpoint management was simple. You used Microsoft Intune for Windows and Jamf Pro for Macs.

In 2026, that logic is no longer automatic. Microsoft has improved Intune significantly. With new features like Platform SSO and Enterprise App Management, many IT leaders are asking if Intune is now capable enough to manage their Apple devices.

However, capabilities are not the only factor. Your Mac users are often your developers and creative professionals. If their device management experience is poor, it disrupts their work and increases support tickets.

This guide analyzes the three dominant platforms in 2026:

• Microsoft Intune: The unified option included with Microsoft 365.
• Jamf Pro: The industry standard for Apple devices.
• Kandji: The modern automation tool for fast-growing teams.

How do These Platforms Communicate with Devices?

Microsoft Intune

Intune manages Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices in a single console. It treats Macs similarly to Windows PCs. It relies on polling intervals, meaning the device checks in on a schedule. When you push a new policy, the Mac might not apply it for several hours. This delay makes it difficult to fix urgent security issues quickly.

Jamf Pro and Kandji

These platforms are built specifically for Apple operating systems. They maintain a persistent connection to the device. This allows them to apply settings and remove banned applications almost instantly. They also support new macOS updates the same day Apple releases them, whereas Intune often takes longer to support new features.

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Microsoft Intune

Best For: Organizations where Macs are a small minority or where cost consolidation is the primary goal.

Intune is a functional choice for Mac management in 2026. It makes sense for organizations that want to manage all devices in one place and accept that the Mac experience will be less flexible than with a specialized tool.

Technical Capabilities

• Platform SSO: Intune now supports Platform SSO natively. This allows users to sign in to their Mac using their Microsoft Entra ID credentials and Touch ID. It keeps the local Mac password in sync with the cloud password without needing third-party tools.
• Enterprise App Management: Microsoft introduced a paid add-on called Enterprise App Management. This feature automates patching for third-party apps like Zoom, Chrome, and Slack. It provides a secure catalog of pre-packaged apps, solving what was previously a major weakness in Intune.
• Compliance Integration: The strongest feature of Intune is its link to Conditional Access. You can block a Mac from accessing Outlook or Teams if it does not meet security policies, such as having FileVault encryption enabled.

Cost Considerations

Be careful when evaluating the price. The basic Intune plan is included in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses. However, key Mac features like Remote Help and Enterprise App Management are paid add-ons. A fully functional Intune stack for Macs can cost an additional $4 to $8 per user per month.

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Jamf Pro

Best For: Large enterprises with over 500 Macs that require complex workflows and granular control.

Jamf Pro is the standard for managing Apple devices at scale. It offers the most detailed control options, allowing IT administrators to script complex workflows that other tools cannot handle.

Technical Capabilities

• Extension Attributes: Intune only sees the data points Microsoft programmed it to see. Jamf allows you to write scripts to collect any data point you need. For example, you can check if a specific configuration file exists in a hidden folder and trigger a policy based on the answer.
• Smart Groups: Unlike static lists, Smart Groups are dynamic. A device automatically enters a specific group the moment it fails a check, such as having low battery health or an outdated operating system. It then automatically receives the necessary updates or fixes.
• Self Service: Jamf offers a customizable internal app store. Users can install approved software, run printer mapping scripts, or fix common issues themselves. This reduces the number of support tickets your team receives.

The Ecosystem

Jamf is rarely sold alone. You may also need Jamf Connect to handle login windows if you do not use Intune Platform SSO. Additionally, Jamf Protect provides endpoint security that integrates directly with the management console.

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Kandji (Now Iru)

Best For: Modern, fast-growing companies (50–5,000 employees) that want to collapse the stack (Identity, MDM, EDR) into one automated platform.

Iru has pivoted from being a "Kandji alternative" to a full-stack replacement. It combines Device Management, Endpoint Security (EDR), and Identity into one agent.

Technical Capabilities

• Cross-Platform Real-Time: Unlike Intune, Iru brings the "Apple-like" real-time management experience to Windows and Android. You get zero-touch deployment and instant remediation across all devices.
• Iru Identity (Built-in): Iru includes passwordless login (Passkeys) out of the box. You may not need a separate Okta or JumpCloud license for device login.
• Blueprints & AI: Instead of manual policies, you use "Blueprints." You toggle "CIS Level 2 Compliance," and Iru's AI enforces hundreds of settings automatically. It actively fights configuration drift, fixing security gaps in seconds.

The "All-in-One" Play

Iru is designed to replace your MDM (Intune/Jamf), your EDR (CrowdStrike/SentinelOne), and your Identity provider (Okta) for device access. This offers massive simplicity but requires buying into their unified vision.

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How to Decide on an Apple Management

Use this framework to select the right tool based on your team structure and requirements.

Decision 1: The Administrator Test

Do you have a dedicated full-time Mac Administrator?

• Yes: Jamf Pro is the best choice. Your admin will use its power to build custom workflows that improve the employee experience.
• No: Kandji is the safer bet. Its pre-built templates allow a general IT administrator to manage Macs securely without needing deep scripting knowledge.

Decision 2: The Compliance Speed Test

Do you need to pass a SOC2 or ISO 27001 audit quickly?

• Yes: Kandji wins. Its one-click compliance templates instantly secure the fleet and provide audit-ready reporting. Doing this in Intune requires manually configuring dozens of individual settings.

Decision 3: The Scale Test

Do you manage computer labs or shared devices?

• Yes: Jamf Pro is superior. Its ability to handle shared devices and complex software licensing is more mature than Kandji or Intune.

Decision 4: The Budget Test

Is cost your primary constraint?

• Yes: Microsoft Intune. If you already own Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 licenses, the base cost is included. It is sufficient for basic security compliance, even if the management experience is slower.

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Closing Thoughts

The debate between Intune and specialized Mac tools is about the cost of friction.

• Choose Intune if you want to simplify procurement and can accept a slower management experience.
• Choose Jamf Pro if you are building a premium Apple experience and need detailed control to handle edge cases.
• Choose Kandji if you want the expertise of Jamf but prefer to automate the manual work of policy creation.

If you choose Jamf or Kandji, you can still integrate them with Intune. This allows you to use the specialized tool for management while sending security data to Microsoft for access control.