Quick Tip: macOS as a cache for Apple Devices

A cache server is a great tool to speed up recurring network requests (example: system updates) and reduce the overall used internet bandwidth.

Today we'll see how to set-up a cache server for our Apple devices.

Let's say that you have multiple Apple devices on your network and you happen to have a macOS device always powered on (or a macOS vm, ed.), you can use the after-mentioned device as a cache for your other devices.

To check if it's possible to use your Mac as a caching server, run this command:

$ AssetCacheManagerUtil canActivate

If you get a "yes" as a response, you can set-up your cache server via this simple command:

$ sudo AssetCacheManagerUtil activate

Your devices will now discover this cache server automatically after a reboot.

You can find more information about this macOS feature here.