What are the devicemanagementclient processes?

devicemanagementclient processes are part of Apple's newer device management system.

What is devicemanagementclient?

devicemanagementclient handles Declarative Device Management, Apple's modern way of managing devices. In the older model, a server sends commands and the device follows them. In the declarative model, the device is told the desired state and works out how to reach it on its own.

How is it different from mdmclient?

mdmclient handles the older command-and-response model, where a server tells the device exactly what to do. devicemanagementclient handles the newer declarative model, where the server states the goal (for example, "this app should be installed" or "this setting should be on") and the device takes care of the rest.

The declarative model is more robust. The device keeps things in the desired state even if it loses contact with the server for a while.

When is it active?

Only on Macs enrolled in a management solution that uses declarative features. Personal Macs without management enrolment will not have active devicemanagementclient processes.

Should you worry?

No. It is a standard macOS process for managed devices. It only runs on Macs enrolled in a management solution.

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