A comprehensive guide to seamless, secure Mac authentication in 2025 and beyond
In today’s Mac management landscape, IT administrators face an important decision: how to deliver secure, smooth authentication that meets both user experience and security needs. Two solutions lead the way: Apple Platform Single Sign-On (PSSO) and Jamf Connect. Rather than competing technologies, these solutions work together to create a strong authentication strategy for modern businesses.
For organizations looking at Mac identity management solutions, understanding how to use both technologies together provides significant advantages over choosing just one approach.
Topics
- Understanding the Tools
- Features: Where Each Solution Shines
- Why Use Both Solutions Together
- “Simple” Real-World Setup Examples
- Technical Setup Details
- Setup Checklist
- Resources & Documentation
- Key Takeaways
Understanding the Tools
Apple Platform SSO: Built-in Authentication
Platform SSO for macOS builds on enterprise SSO capabilities to provide streamlined, secure authentication. Apple’s Platform Single Sign-On represents where macOS authentication is heading, a built-in framework that connects Mac local accounts directly with cloud identity providers (IdP).
How it works: Users authenticate once at the macOS login screen, and that single authentication provides access across all supported applications and websites. By syncing local account details with IdP information, the system reduces password complexity and makes users more productive.
What’s new in 2025: Apple has announced a major update to Platform Single Sign-On (PSSO) in macOS Tahoe 26 with a new feature called “Simplified Setup for Platform SSO.” This fixes one of PSSO’s past limitations, where setup could only be completed after local account creation.
Jamf Connect: The Complete Enterprise Solution
Jamf Connect takes a comprehensive approach to Mac authentication. Rather than working within Apple’s native framework, it enhances or replaces the macOS login experience with business-focused capabilities. The solution handles the complete authentication process, from initial device setup to ongoing credential management.
What makes it different: With the release of Jamf Connect 2.24, offline multi-factor authentication (MFA) capabilities were added, solving one of the trickiest challenges in business Mac deployment: securing devices that work outside the corporate network.
Features: Where Each Solution Shines
| Feature | Apple PSSO | Jamf Connect |
| Primary Role | OS-native SSO framework linking local account + IdP | Full login, provisioning, and MFA tool |
| Integration | Built into macOS (via MDM + IdP plug-in) | Separate Jamf app + config profiles |
| IdP Support | Depends on who builds a PSSO extension (Microsoft Entra, Okta, etc.) | Broad IdP coverage (Okta, Google, Ping, Entra, and more) |
| Password Sync | Keeps macOS password in line with IdP | Syncs at login, ongoing checks, Self Service+ integration |
| MFA Capabilities | Supports IdP’s native MFA (e.g., Okta FastPass, Entra smart cards) | MFA at login, including offline MFA |
| Provisioning | Local account binding; no onboarding | Zero-touch provisioning, account creation, first-boot workflows |
| Licensing | Included with macOS (requires IdP app/extension) | Licensed Jamf product |
Sources for comparison details: Ravenswood Technology Platform SSO Guide, KRCS Platform SSO Support, Jamf WWDC 2022 SSO Extension Blog, Jamf After Dark Apple Platform SSO, Apple Platform SSO Deployment Guide
Why Use Both Solutions Together
The most successful Mac deployments use both technologies strategically rather than picking just one solution. This approach takes advantage of each platform’s strengths while covering their weaknesses.
How to Implement Both Together
Step 1: Set Up Platform SSO Start with Apple’s Platform SSO as your authentication foundation. Platform SSO enables single sign-on (SSO) using your identity provider with support for Secure Enclave, smart card, or password authentication methods. Use your MDM solution to push Apple’s Extensible SSO payload and configure your IdP’s Platform SSO extension.
Step 2: Add Jamf Connect Features Deploy Jamf Connect to address Platform SSO limitations: first-boot provisioning, offline MFA enforcement, broader IdP compatibility, and enhanced user experience features.
Implementation Strategy by Environment
Mixed environments: Start with Jamf Connect for universal compatibility, then add PSSO support where available
Microsoft Entra environments: Leverage PSSO for phishing-resistant authentication methods, while Jamf Connect handles offline scenarios and streamlined onboarding
Okta deployments: Use Okta’s Platform Single Sign-On for macOS for device trust and password sync, with Jamf Connect managing MFA and provisioning workflows
“Simple” Real-World Setup Examples
Example 1: Microsoft-Heavy Environment
Challenge: You’re using Microsoft Entra ID and need strong, phishing-resistant authentication.
Solution:
- Set up Platform SSO with Microsoft’s Enterprise SSO plug-in for secure, native authentication
- Add Jamf Connect for offline MFA scenarios and smooth user onboarding
- Result: Maximum security with great user experience
Example 2: Okta-Focused Organization
Challenge: Okta is your main IdP, and you need easy device setup.
Solution:
- Set up Okta’s Platform SSO extension for local account binding
- Use Jamf Connect for zero-touch setup and Enhanced Service Sign-On (ESSO) workflows
- Result: Easy onboarding with solid ongoing authentication
Example 3: Multi-IdP Business
Challenge: You’re managing multiple identity providers or have complex setup requirements.
Solution:
- Start with Jamf Connect for broad IdP compatibility and advanced setup features
- Add Platform SSO support where your IdPs offer extensions
- Result: Consistent experience across different identity systems
Example 4: High-Security Environment
Challenge: Compliance requirements demand maximum authentication control.
Solution:
- Combine Jamf Connect’s offline MFA capabilities with Platform SSO’s native security framework
- Set up layered authentication policies
- Result: Multi-layered authentication strategy
Technical Setup Details
Setting Up Platform SSO
Platform SSO allows you to sync passwords of local user accounts with the IdP, and set up login policies. Define group permissions of IdP accounts and allow people to use network-only IdP accounts at login prompts.
Key things to consider:
- Secure Enclave integration: Modern setups should use hardware-backed security
- Policy sync: Make sure your MDM properly deploys Extensible SSO payloads
- IdP extension compatibility: Check that your identity provider offers good Platform SSO support
Getting The Most From Jamf Connect
Beyond basic authentication, Jamf Connect works great in areas where Platform SSO currently needs improvement:
Zero-Touch Setup: Create local accounts with IdP credentials from day one, removing manual setup steps that slow down device deployment.
Offline MFA: Keep security policies working even when Macs are disconnected from your network, important for remote workers and traveling employees.
Better User Experience: Self Service+ integration, password sync notifications, and self-service credential management reduce help desk tickets and make users happier.
Setup Checklist
Before You Start
- Audit your current IdP landscape and authentication requirements
- Assess offline usage patterns and MFA compliance needs
- Evaluate first-boot provisioning workflows
- Review licensing and budget considerations
Platform SSO Setup
- Check IdP extension availability and compatibility
- Configure MDM for Extensible SSO payload deployment
- Test login flows in a pilot environment
- Verify password sync behavior
Jamf Connect Setup
- Design zero-touch setup workflows
- Configure offline MFA policies
- Set up Self Service+ integration and user self-service features
- Plan integration with existing Platform SSO setup
Testing Everything Together
- Make sure both solutions work seamlessly together
- Test edge cases (offline scenarios, password changes, account lockouts)
- Check user experience across different login scenarios
- Do a security review of the complete setup
Resources & Documentation
Apple Platform SSO Documentation
- Platform Single Sign-On Overview, Core developer documentation for Platform SSO
- Platform SSO Deployment Guide, Apple’s official deployment documentation
- Creating Platform SSO Extensions, For IdP vendors building extensions
- Extensible SSO Configuration, MDM payload configuration reference
- Platform SSO During Enrollment, Implementation during device setup
Jamf Connect Documentation
- Jamf Connect Administrator’s Guide, Complete administrative documentation
- Current Jamf Connect Documentation, Latest feature documentation
- Jamf Connect Configuration Methods, Detailed configuration options
- Jamf Connect Security Standards, Security implementation details
- Jamf Connect Integration with Jamf Pro, MDM integration guidance
Additional Resources
- Apple Single Sign-On Deployment Overview, General SSO concepts for Apple devices
- Platform SSO Developer Forums, Community discussions and troubleshooting
Key Takeaways
Apple Platform SSO and Jamf Connect work together to solve different parts of the Mac authentication challenge. Platform SSO provides the native, secure foundation that represents where macOS authentication is heading. Jamf Connect delivers the business-grade features, user experience improvements, and advanced setup capabilities that IT teams need today.
Organizations that get Mac authentication right use both technologies strategically rather than picking just one solution.
Getting started: Begin by looking at your current pain points. Organizations that need better setup processes should start with Jamf Connect. Organizations wanting native OS integration should begin with Platform SSO. However, the best approach involves using both solutions strategically to create authentication experiences that meet both security needs and user expectations.
The future of Mac management uses the strategic combination of Apple’s native innovation and Jamf’s business expertise to deliver complete authentication solutions.
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