Previous Version of Apple Configurator

Have you considered exploring Parental Controls instead of using Apple Configurator? This may accomplish what you want to achieve -> Use parental controls on your child's iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

Further note, a few years ago I used Apple Configurator in an attempt to lock down a bunch of iPads that my staff was using. They found ways around the supervised limitations anyway. In the end it did not appear that Apple Configurator was all that it appeared to be.

As an alternative, I suggest looking into iMazing Configurator. I use iMazing (related product) to manage my own iPhones and think it's a great product. While I haven't used their Configurator app, I would expect it to work just as well.

Well, you could *TRY* this ... if you have a Mac with macOS 14.x, sign in to the App Store and download Apple Configurator 2.

Then ... on your "used MacBook" sign into the same account, then in the menu strip in the upper left of your screen, go to App Store > Store > Account, which will display your Account page (where your 'purchased' apps will be listed) and try to download Apple Configurator there ... reportedly you can get old versions that way.

That said, while this method has often been suggested in these forums to download older versions of apps from the App Store, it has never worked for me. YMMV. Good luck!

ps. How about if you provide the model #'s of the iPhones & the version of iOS on each. As well as your Macs & their macOS versions. This will help other folks here provide more detailed assistance.

MartinR wrote:

Well, you could *TRY* this ... if you have a Mac with macOS 14.x, sign in to the App Store and download Apple Configurator 2.

That said, while this method has often been suggested in these forums to download older versions of apps from the App Store, it has never worked for me. YMMV. Good luck!

That has never worked for me either. The purchase must be made prior to Apple removing that version from the App Store. Apple is only interested in moving forward and does not care that some people like to continue using older devices and even older operating systems for various reasons. It is indeed very frustrating.

I thought there was a free version of iMazing. I recall wanting to check out some configuration options for creating macOS Profiles. I thought I used iMazing. There was another third party app that I tried as well that seemed to be from a decent developer, but I don't recall its name. Both third party apps offered way more options than Apple Configurator provided and they provided slightly better information as well. I don't know if I still have the information for the other app.

iMazing does seem to allow me to download a version for macOS. It is not clear from the product page, but when you download the iMazing app & run it you are shown a startup screen which mentions a trial mode. This screen mentions many features are free, some features are limited, and some require a license. These types of apps are generally made for businesses & educational institutions for managing larger numbers of devices. You will need to pay if you want to create custom profiles on your devices or utilize Apple's own built-in options such as Parental Controls & Screen Time.

Here is a screenshot of the startup screen within the iMazing app:

DonMega3951 wrote:

I did look into iMazing and it is a paid subscription - was really hoping to do this with a free version (similar to Mediore, the MDM I am going to use)

iMazing Configurator is included in the iMazing app itself. There are both perpetual licenses & subscriptions. The perpetual license starts at $39.99 for 1 device, $59.99 for 3, etc.

There is a free trial although some functionality is limited in it. Just download the app, it will run in free trial mode until you purchase a license or subscription.

HWTech wrote:

That has never worked for me either. The purchase must be made prior to Apple removing that version from the App Store. Apple is only interested in moving forward and does not care that some people like to continue using older devices and even older operating systems for various reasons. It is indeed very frustrating.

Yes, it's really frustrating. I have been chasing Final Cut Pro for years and have effectively thrown in the towel until I buy my next new Mac with the latest version of macOS. Not sure when that will be.