Apple today updated its macOS Server Mac app with a collection of new features in Version 5.2 that bring integration with Apple School Manager, various streamlining updates to the Setup Assistant of some apps, and security restrictions for new macOS features like auto-unlock with Apple Watch.

Specifically, macOS Server users can now choose to skip the new Siri Setup Assistant in Sierra, as well as the setup panes in iOS 10 for iMessage and FaceTime.

macos-server
Previously dubbed "OS X Server," the app introduces "even more power to your business, home office, or school," by turning any Mac into a powerful server. macOS Server can make it easier to share files, synchronize contacts, host a website, configure iOS devices, remotely access your home network, and more.

What's New in Version 5.2
Profile Manager
• Integration with Apple School Manager to get Managed Apple ID and class information
• Skip the iMessage & FaceTime Setup Assistant pane in iOS 10
• Skip the Siri Setup Assistant pane in macOS Sierra version 10.12
• Choose default app for audio calls for Contacts, Exchange, and Google accounts
• Set Bluetooth Modification restriction on supervised devices
• Set Apple Music; iCloud Keychain Sync; and Sharing to Notes, Reminders, or LinkedIn restrictions for macOS Sierra version 10.12
• Set new IKEv2 authentication method option or specify IPSec disconnect on idle timeout for VPN
• Restrict Cisco fast lane Quality of Service marking or disable captive network detection for Wi-Fi networks
• Restrict unlocking a Mac using Apple Watch
• Configure IP firewall

Caching Server
• Enhanced control over peer replication

SMB
• To improve security, SMB connections now require signing by default.

NFS
• AES is now a supported encryption type for Kerberized NFS

Xsan 5
• macOS Sierra and Server 5.2 include support for the Xsan 5 file system. Xsan 5 is compatible with the Quantum StorNext 5.3 file system.
• See Xsan Compatibility information before upgrading to Xsan 5.

Anyone interested can download macOS Server from the Mac App Store for $19.99. [Direct Link]

Related Forum: macOS Sierra

Top Rated Comments

oneMadRssn Avatar
115 months ago
I still wish one of the servers they offered was a host-your-own iCloud server.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stukdog Avatar
115 months ago
Would this be useful to use if I am just using my Mac Mini as a Plex and iTunes Server? I am always looking for ways to minimize the OS footprint and optimize the performance.
If nothing else, you should look at installing as a caching server. It's very simple to setup and can really help on big update days like today.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zirel Avatar
115 months ago
I still wish one of the servers they offered was a host-your-own iCloud server.
That would be perfect
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kometen Avatar
115 months ago
If nothing else, you should look at installing as a caching server. It's very simple to setup and can really help on big update days like today.
True. With some macs, iphones and ipads it does save some bandwidth. Apple recommend to use the ethernet port. http://help.apple.com/serverapp/mac/5.1.5/#/apd74DDE89F-08D2-4E0A-A5CD-155E345EFB83
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oneMadRssn Avatar
115 months ago
I like this idea, but it would probably such a small fraction of people who would actually make use of it that they probably don't want to put any energy into developing it. Probably so many apps and services that hook into iCloud that just testing all the different use cases would be a nightmare.
I think the appeal is broader than you say. Sure, for individuals, paying the monthly icloud fee is the best way to go for a number of reasons. However, think about all the professionals that like to use iOS devices, but are obligated by various laws or regulations to protect data extra carefully.

Lawyers owe a duty to their clients to keep client data confidential. Doctors and other health-care professionals have to comply with various HIPAA data storage regulations. Anyone doing business with Europeans have to take extra care of personal data per various treaties.

In some of these cases, not knowing exactly where your data is physically stored could be seen as a per se violation. I think it would be quite a good solution to some small businesses, which are too small for a huge IBM or Cisco enterprise software, to just be able to host their own icloud server, and let all their docs, spreadsheets, pictures, and app data live there. They can choose to implement a security policy as strict or as relaxed as they deem appropriate, with some policies that Apple doesn't support in their own icloud (e.g., I would configure my icloud server to only respond to known whitelist of MAC addresses).

I would pay $500+ for a version of OS X Server that had this. Surely many other small businesses that are required to take their data seriously but also like using iOS devices would too.

Notably, there is a good market for this. Netgear's ReadyNAS, Western Digital's MyCloud, Synology, etc. They all offer pretty good hardware/software that does what I described. But none of their solutions integrate with iOS as well as iCloud does. If a business that loves iOS is willing to spend $5000 on a good Synology setup, surely they would spend $1000 to buy OS X Server that includes iCloud server.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stukdog Avatar
115 months ago
See something on twitter today about a patent for an iServer they may come out with.
Sounds like the infamous iHome ('https://macminicolo.net/10/').
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
iOS 26 Feature

Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Monday July 7, 2025 1:20 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July. Transparency In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the...
imac video apple feature

Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors. Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each. iPhone 17 Series iPho...
iphone 16 pro models 1

Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Saturday July 5, 2025 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year. As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayGiven the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and...
iPhone Car Key Kia

Here's Which Vehicles Offer iPhone Car Keys

Sunday July 6, 2025 3:03 pm PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. Apple has a web page with a list of vehicle models that ...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 8 U.S. States

Tuesday July 8, 2025 11:26 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly since it was announced in 2021, with only nine U.S. states, Puerto Rico,...
iphone 17 pro render majin bu

New iPhone 17 Pro Renders Highlight Apple Logo and MagSafe Design Changes

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:43 pm PDT by
New renders today provide the best look yet relocated Apple logo and redesigned MagSafe magnet array of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Image via Majin Bu. Several of the design changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro model have been rumored for some time, such as the elongated camera bump that spans the full width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash moving to the right side. ...
apple account card feature

Apple Account Card Expanding to More Countries

Tuesday July 8, 2025 7:34 pm PDT by
Apple is expanding the ability to add an Apple Account Card to the Wallet app to more countries, according to backend Apple Pay changes. With iOS 15.5, Apple updated the Wallet app to allow users to add an Apple Account Card, which displays the Apple credit balance associated with an Apple ID. If you receive an Apple gift card, for example, it is added to an Apple Account that is also...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Friday July 4, 2025 1:05 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are just over two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous...