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Apple Device Lifecycle and Data Privacy

Updated

Introduction

This article explains how we protect company and personal data when managing Apple devices. We recommend Apple devices for their longevity, reliability, and trade-in value, but data privacy is always the priority.

1. Device Assignment (New Joiner)

When a new employee is issued an Apple device:

  1. Client completes the Joiner Form to request and track device allocation.
  2. We configure the device with required accounts, security controls, and device management.
  3. Issue the device to the employee.

Data privacy: Devices are configured securely from day one.

2. Device Reassignment (Internal Move)

Devices may be reassigned after an internal move or following a leaver.

  1. Client completes the Mover Form to record the reassignment.
  2. We erase the device between users. 
  3. Reconfigure and issue to the next employee.

Data privacy: Erasure focuses on removing all data from the previous user, ensuring only the new user’s data is present. Accounts, files, and personal information from the prior user are completely removed, supporting GDPR / ISO 27701 principles of data minimisation.

3. Device Retirement (Leaving the Company)

Devices are retired when they are no longer suitable for reassignment or reach end-of-life (typically 5 years, balancing reliability, Apple updates/security, and trade-in value). Where feasible, devices are repaired to extend their useful life; otherwise, they are retired.

Retirement paths:

  • Trade-in for value recovery
  • Gifting to ex-employees
  • Donation to charity
  • Recycling at end-of-life

Process:

  1. Client completes the Leaver Form to record offboarding and device outcome.
  2. We fully erase and release the device from management.
  3. Users should back up personal files beforehand.

Data privacy: Devices are returned to a factory-fresh state, removing apps, configurations, security software, and management. This ensures a clean break from the company and supports GDPR / ISO 27701 principles of data minimisation and security.

Key Principles

  • Devices are always erased between users and before retirement.
  • Erasure is the industry-standard method for securely releasing devices.
  • Apple devices support operational efficiency, reliability, trade-in value, and sustainability.
  • The lifecycle reflects our ethos of Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle.
  • Forms (Joiner, Mover, Leaver) provide accountability and an audit trail, keeping data privacy front and centre.

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