iOS 7.1 Rumors: More Features for the Enterprise?

Rumors are swirling about Apple's (AAPL) newest iOS, including features aimed at helping companies better manage the devices, according to an article in AppleInsider. The iOS 7.1 update is rumored to be released "around March 15," the article stated.

While none of the updates can be confirmed, an unnamed source told AppleInsider the new operating system will improve mobile device management (MDM) across Apple’s devices. Some of these features could include MDM enrollment and the ability to buy books and apps in volume through Apple’s Volume Services website for client login.

According to AppleInsider, the new MDM system will feature over-the-air supervision of deployed iOS devices for easy monitoring and protection of large device deployments. This is rumored to bypass Apple’s Configurator app, which currently is used for mobile device management and profile creation. The source also said improved managed deployment options will be able to protect MDM-instituted profiles going forward.

While Apple has yet to confirm any of these statements (and chances are slim to none it would), all of the purported claims made about the update seem not only plausible but logical for Apple as it continues to strengthen iOS for enterprise users. At any rate, it shouldn’t be long before we find out how valid these claims are, since the rumored release date is less than a month away.