iOS 18: Reboot required for enterprise app approval disrupts automated testing

We are currently facing a challenge with automated testing of enterprise applications on iOS 18 using Appium. The issue arises during the approval process of unsigned enterprise apps, which involves navigating to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Approve. Post-approval, iOS 18 requires a device reboot, which disrupts our automated test flow.

We expect that the approval of the enterprise application should not require a device reboot, or that there should be an automated method to handle this approval, allowing us to continuously execute tests including app install and uninstall cycles.

Steps to Reproduce:

  1. Install an unsigned enterprise application on a device running iOS 18.
  2. Navigate to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Approve to approve the application.
  3. After approval, iOS requests a device reboot.
  4. The automated testing flow is interrupted after the reboot, making it impossible to install and uninstall the app repeatedly as part of the test cycle.

Environment:

Is there any known workaround or upcoming fix in Appium that could address the issue of managing enterprise app approvals without requiring a device reboot? Alternatively, do you have recommendations for handling this within our automated test flow?

Note: I am aware that this problem stems from changes introduced in iOS 18. However, I am curious to know if anyone has found a viable or smart solution to mitigate this issue.

Thank you for your support !

This is a new Apple’s security limitation. There is no way to cancel it.
A workaround would be to use a dev certificate or install another dummy app with the same cert, accept it and keep this app constantly installed to preserve the cert.

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