Intune Got an Update. Here’s Why You Should Care.
Microsoft pushed a significant Intune update in October 2026, adding new features for both Windows and Apple devices. If you manage more than a handful of company computers, phones, or tablets, this matters to you directly. More tools in Intune means more control over what’s running on your endpoints, and more control means fewer surprises when something goes wrong.
The short answer to “what does this mean for my business” is this: if you’re already using Intune, you have new capabilities to explore and possibly configure. If you’re not using Intune yet, this update is a decent reminder that Microsoft keeps investing in it as the central place to manage devices across Windows and Apple platforms.
Windows and Apple, Covered in One Place
One thing that stands out about this update is that it covers both Windows and Apple devices. That’s relevant because a lot of small and mid-size businesses in the NJ and NYC area run mixed environments. You might have Windows desktops in the office and MacBooks or iPhones in people’s hands. Managing those separately, with different tools and different policies, gets messy fast.
Intune has been moving toward a single-pane approach for years. The October 2026 update continues that direction, with several tools IT admins may want to explore across both platforms. I won’t pretend the full feature list is simple. Intune updates tend to be dense, and not every new setting will apply to your setup. But the fact that changes landed for both Windows and Apple in the same release cycle is worth paying attention to.
What IT Admins Should Actually Do
If you have an IT person or an MSP handling your Intune environment, now is a good time to ask them to review the October 2026 release notes and flag anything that applies to your device policies. That’s the practical step. Don’t just let updates roll through unexamined.
A few areas worth checking specifically:
- Whether any new compliance policies apply to your Apple devices
- Whether Windows-specific changes affect your existing configuration profiles
- Whether any new admin tools in this release replace workarounds you’ve been using
If you want background on how Microsoft has been building out the admin side of Intune, the post on Microsoft’s new Intune admin tools for Windows 11 covers the broader context well. And if you’re also thinking about patching timelines, the piece on Windows 10 free security updates extended to 2027 is worth reading alongside this one, since device management and patch policy decisions tend to overlap.
Don’t Set It and Forget It
Intune is not a tool you configure once and walk away from. Microsoft updates it on a monthly cadence, and each release can change defaults, add new policy options, or deprecate settings you’re currently relying on. The October 2026 update is a good example of why you need someone actively watching this, not just reacting when something breaks.
If your current setup involves Windows Update for Business, Autopilot, or conditional access policies tied to device compliance, any of those areas could be affected by a given monthly release. Staying current isn’t optional if you care about security posture.
Reviewing Intune updates regularly is part of what good device management looks like. If that’s not happening in your environment right now, it’s worth fixing. Exine offers managed IT and cybersecurity for businesses across NJ and NYC, including ongoing Intune management for teams that don’t want to track this themselves.
FAQ
What did Microsoft add to Intune in October 2026?
Microsoft’s October 2026 Intune update included new features and tools for both Windows and Apple devices. The specific changes cover areas IT admins manage day to day. Reviewing the full release notes through your Intune admin center is the best way to see what applies to your environment.
Does Intune work for Apple devices, not just Windows?
Yes. Intune manages both Windows and Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads. The October 2026 update included changes for both platforms, which is useful if your business runs a mixed environment and wants one consistent management tool.
How often does Microsoft update Intune?
Microsoft releases Intune updates on a monthly basis. Each release can add new policy options, change existing settings, or deprecate features. If you’re using Intune actively, someone on your team or your MSP should be reviewing release notes each month.
Do I need Intune if my business only has a few devices?
Intune becomes most valuable once you have more than a handful of devices, especially if employees use personal phones for work or you have remote workers. Even small teams benefit from consistent compliance policies and the ability to wipe a lost device remotely.
