Use of deprecated payload com.apple.SoftwareUpdate

[ljrk0]

Summary

The used Payload to configure system updates is deprecated and Apple pushes for the use of Declarative Device Management:
https://support.apple.com/en-am/guide/deployment/depd30715cbb/web

The Apple docs describe the Configuration Declaration SoftwareUpdateSettings here:
https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/softwareupdatesettings

Steps to reproduce

• View the Apple docs showing the deprecation here: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/softwareupdate
• The corresponding Intune docs here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/device-updates/apple/software-updates-macos
• Apples WWDC Blog here: https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2025/258/
• Microsoft Intune blog here: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/support-tip-move-to-declarative-device-management-for-apple-software-updates/4432177

Operating System version

N/A

• on macOS DDM for System Updates is available since macOS 15
• on iOS/iPadOS since 18.0, tvOS 18.4
• on visionOS since 26.0

Intel or Apple Silicon

N/A

What is the current bug behavior?

Use of deprecated policies. DDM also has the upside that the device will keep trying to update instead of failing once.

What is the expected correct behavior?

Use DDM and update policy is continually enforced

Relevant logs and/or screenshots

See also:

• Background Security Improvements on Apple devices: https://support.apple.com/en-am/guide/deployment/dep93ff7ea78/web
• Install and enforce software updates for Apple devices: https://support.apple.com/en-am/guide/deployment/depd30715cbb/1/web/1.0

Output of checks

N/A

Possible fixes

N/A

[nancysangani]

@robertgendler I have opened PR #653 to fix this issue. Please review it when you get a chance. Thanks!