Bridging the app gap and supporting Apple adoption with Horizon

Organizations interested in deploying Apple devices at scale have run into a familiar roadblock: Windows app compatibility. Many business-critical applications, from ERP systems to productivity tools such as Visio and Microsoft Project, remain Windows-only. At the same time, today’s employees expect the flexibility to work from any device, including personally owned iPhones and iPads, which adds pressure on IT to support secure BYOD scenarios. While Apple devices deliver performance and a strong end user experience, the application gap has often prevented IT decision-makers from adopting Apple devices more widely across the enterprise. That’s where Omnissa Horizon helps close the gap.

Support app compatibility on Apple devices 

Omnissa Horizon bridges the app compatibility gap by enabling access to Windows applications on Apple devices through either virtual desktops or published apps via remote desktop session host (RDSH). This gives organizations a way to support Apple devices without sacrificing application access.  Virtual desktops provide users with a full Windows environment, ideal for broader workflows or legacy app requirements. While virtual apps offer a more lightweight alternative by streaming only the specific applications users need without a full desktop interface. 

Whether delivered through a full virtual desktop or published apps, Horizon ensures both users and IT teams benefit. End users can access business-critical apps on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS while benefiting from Apple’s familiar high-performance experience. For IT, Horizon provides a secure, scalable platform that simplifies app and desktop delivery across Apple devices. The solution becomes even more powerful when paired with Workspace ONE, which adds centralized operations and policy enforcement. Using Workspace ONE UEM, IT teams can manage both physical and virtual desktops from a single console, while Omnissa Access delivers conditional access and control across the environment. This model is especially valuable in today’s workplace where organizations must balance user choice with IT control. By centralizing applications and data, Horizon keeps information secure while delivering consistent performance across Apple devices. 

Support apps across macOS and iOS

For access to apps that require full virtual desktop environments, Horizon 8  or Horizon Cloud can provide full Windows desktops. IT can further take advantage of Omnissa App Volumes to simplify backend application delivery and management. App Volumes can be used to deliver, update, and rollback apps to virtual desktops and RDSH hosts. The net result is up to 99% app compatibility, one-to-many provisioning, and centralized lifecycle control, reducing infrastructure requirements and operational overhead. Its Apps on Demand feature delivers applications to virtual desktops or RDSH hosts in real time, providing users with instant access while improving efficiency and reducing needed server capacity. This approach gives IT an efficient way to deliver diverse applications on Apple devices.

Deliver high performance experiences that feel local

Powered by the Omnissa Blast display protocol, Horizon delivers a responsive, high-fidelity virtual experience that feels transparent to the end user, regardless of workload or location. End users can run demanding applications like 3D modeling, video editing, and engineering design tools with smooth, high-resolution performance, including support for up to 8K displays. For collaboration, Horizon optimizes Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex to provide crisp audio and video with minimal latency or disruption. With virtual GPU support, end users can securely access compute-intensive workloads without relying on local high-end hardware. End users also benefit from full peripheral integration, including printers, cameras, and specialized input devices, creating a personalized and productive experience. In addition, IT can apply Blast optimization templates and Dynamic Environment Manager profiles to automatically tune image quality, bandwidth use, and session performance to deliver a consistent and seamless experience across every Apple device.

Protect corporate data without compromising privacy

Horizon protects data by keeping apps and data centralized in the data center or cloud. It is never stored locally on the device. This architecture is important for securing BYOD and unmanaged devices.  Integrated access controls, session policies, and security features such as keylogger prevention, clipboard redirection, and SendKey protection reduce the risk of data leakage and unauthorized access. Horizon also supports forensic investigation with session recording and auditing tools, allowing IT to maintain visibility, meet compliance requirements, and respond quickly to incidents.

Simplify management and access with Workspace ONE

Horizon integrates with Workspace ONE to give organizations centralized control over end users, apps, and devices.  Through Workspace ONE UEM, IT can enforce device-level security policies, manage configurations, and remotely revoke access if a device is lost or compromised. For end users, the Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub provides a single, secure app catalog where they can access Windows, macOS, web, and SaaS apps from any Apple device. Built-in workflows for approvals, conditional access, and profile separation keep end users productive while helping IT maintain security and compliance. 

Omnissa helps breaks down the technical barriers to broader Apple adoption in the enterpriseWith Omnissa Horizon, organizations can deliver the Windows apps end users depend on without limiting their device choices. From high-performance access to business-critical tools to centralized management, security, and integration with Workspace ONE, Horizon enables IT to deliver a consistent, secure, and optimized app experience across macOS and iOS. 

Learn more and get started

Discover how Omnissa Horizon supports Apple adoption at scale. Explore Horizon for Apple devices or contact our sales team to discuss your needs.