Yes, you can rent MacBooks for your company, including as part of workplace as a service. You pay a monthly rate and get set-up devices, replacement if a device fails, and a checked return. With a device-as-a-service provider like Everphone, Apple devices are part of the multi-vendor range.
Whether it's possible is rarely the question. The question is what works differently for a Mac than for a Windows laptop. The answer: setup, management and return, not the rental itself.
Our view: renting makes sense for Macs for the same reasons as for any other laptop. But you should clarify up front who registers the device with Apple and who releases it at the end.
What's different about rented MacBooks compared with Windows laptops
The difference is in the setup. Windows notebooks are usually registered through Autopilot. For Macs, Apple Business Manager does this together with an MDM.
The principle: the device sits in your Apple Business Manager account and is assigned to your MDM. At first start it enrolls itself with the MDM. Your employees unpack the device, connect to Wi-Fi and then receive profiles and apps automatically.
Which MacBooks to rent: only Apple silicon
Rent only Macs with an Apple silicon chip. This is the most important selection rule, and it has a hard reason: macOS 26 Tahoe is the last version that supports Intel Macs. macOS 27 runs only on Apple silicon devices from 2020 onwards.
According to Thurrott, Intel Macs receive security updates until autumn 2028. An Intel MacBook that you plan for three years today loses its update protection before the contract ends. For a device with access to company data, that's not an option.
The same applies if someone offers you used or refurbished Macs. Ask about the chip, not just the year of manufacture. At Everphone, there is only Apple silicon. Every rented Mac gets macOS 27 and stays on current updates for the entire contract term.
MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Neo: which fits which role
As a rule, IT devices should always match the need. The choice depends on the work, not on status. For most office and sales roles, a MacBook Air is enough.
If someone mainly works in the browser, in Office applications and in video calls, the cheaper MacBook Neo will do. A MacBook Pro pays off where the machine is under constant load: video editing, software development, large amounts of data.
| Role | Sensible choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Reception, service, temporary staff, standard office tasks | MacBook Neo | Light everyday work in the browser and Office, low-cost entry |
| Sales, administration, marketing | MacBook Air | Browser, Office and video calls run without strain |
| Software development, data analysis | MacBook Pro | Sustained load, more memory |
| Video, design, production | MacBook Pro | Rendering and large files |
Specific configurations and prices depend on the offer. The best way to find the current best options is to talk to our sales team. For up to 250 devices, you can also order directly in the Everphone shop.
If you don't want to make the decision alone, let your employees choose for themselves; after all, they have to work with the devices. How that works is covered in our rollout guide, implementing choose-your-own-device.
Managing Macs and Windows laptops in one fleet
A mixed fleet is normal and very manageable. An MDM that handles both Windows and macOS keeps both worlds in one place. Which one you pick depends on your setup. If you already have Microsoft licences, Intune is often the obvious choice. If Macs make up the larger part of the fleet, tools specialised in Apple are a candidate.
What matters is that procurement and management fit together. Otherwise you end up with Macs that someone has to set up by hand, which is exactly what you wanted to get rid of by renting.
What Everphone takes over is summarised in the overview of the difference between device as a service and workplace as a service. You can read more about the Apple side of device management in the article on mobile device management with Apple.
What's included in a MacBook rental and what to clarify beforehand
The scope of service for Everphone MacBooks is the same as for all other devices. Damaged MacBooks are replaced free of charge as part of the service (damage is covered by the rental). In case of loss, the current value according to the residual value table applies.
After the return, Everphone erases the data with certification and refurbishes the devices at no extra cost. Asset management is included. A purchase option at the end of the term is available by arrangement.
For Macs, you should clarify two things beforehand:
- Who manages the Activation Lock? If it's tied to a personal Apple ID, the device can't be reused after the return. For devices managed through the MDM, the lock should be tied to the organisation.
- How does the return work? The device must be removed from the MDM and the lock released before it goes back. We send users detailed instructions with the return so that nothing goes wrong.
The process from order to return is described in detail in the article on renting laptops for business.
Who should rent MacBooks
Renting MacBooks makes sense as soon as devices regularly come and go or you have several operating systems in the company. Then the rental takes procurement, setup, replacement and return off your hands.
This applies regardless of size. Up to 250 employees, you order directly in the Everphone shop; for larger companies, a short conversation beforehand is a good idea. How renting and buying compare for laptops is shown in the TCO comparison for laptops.
Frequently asked questions
Is workplace as a service also possible for MacBooks?
Yes. Workplace as a service covers laptops and workplace devices from various manufacturers, including Apple. The difference comes from registration in Apple Business Manager and the MDM connection, not from the rental model.
Can I rent Macs and Windows laptops in one fleet?
Yes. You get both through the same service. For management, you need an MDM that covers macOS and Windows, or two separate tools.
Does a rented MacBook have to go into Apple Business Manager?
For a setup without manual work, yes. Through Apple Business Manager, the device enrolls itself with the MDM at first start. Without it, you have to set up every device by hand.
Which MacBooks make sense for companies?
Apple silicon models. With macOS 26, Intel Macs receive their last major update and security updates until autumn 2028. For most office and sales roles, a MacBook Air or even a MacBook Neo is enough.
What happens to the Activation Lock when a Mac is returned?
It must be released before the return, otherwise the device can't be redeployed. Clarify before the contract who manages it and how the release works.