Apple Configurator Command-Line Tool: Automate Processes
- Tech news
- July 28, 2023
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- 29
Writing Shell Scripts and Automating Processes
Once the Apple Configurator command-line tool is installed, you can start writing shell scripts to automate various tasks in Apple Configurator. Shell scripts are text files that contain a series of commands that the Terminal can execute in sequence. With shell scripts, you can automate device setup, app installations, profile configurations, and much more.
Here’s a basic example of a shell script using the cfgutil command-line tool to automate app installations on multiple devices:
# Replace "APP_BUNDLE_ID" with the actual bundle identifier of the app you want to install
APP_BUNDLE_ID="com.example.app"
# Replace "DEVICE_UDIDS" with the UDIDs of the devices you want to install the app on
DEVICE_UDIDS=("UDID1" "UDID2" "UDID3")
# Loop through the list of device UDIDs and install the app on each device
for UDID in "${DEVICE_UDIDS[@]}"
do
cfgutil install-app -i "$APP_BUNDLE_ID" -v -u "$UDID"
done
This shell script installs the app with the specified bundle identifier on multiple devices listed by their UDIDs. You can customize the script to perform various other tasks, depending on your specific needs.

Exploring the cfgutil Man Page
The cfgutil command-line tool comes with a comprehensive manual page that provides detailed information about its usage and available options. To access the man page, open the Terminal and type:
man cfgutil
The manual page will display all the commands, flags, and syntax you can use with the cfgutil tool. It’s a valuable resource for understanding the capabilities of the command-line tool and how to use it effectively.

Conclusion
The Apple Configurator command-line tool, cfgutil, is a valuable addition to Apple Configurator that enables users to take automation and customization to the next level. By writing shell scripts and utilizing the power of the Terminal, you can streamline device management processes, saving time and improving efficiency. Whether you need to install apps, configure profiles, or perform other tasks, the cfgutil tool empowers you to manage iOS and iPadOS devices with ease. So, go ahead and explore the capabilities of the Apple Configurator command-line tool to enhance your device management workflow.