You deploy an app to a supervised Apple device that already has the app installed...

Apple’s MDM framework allows organizations to take ownership of apps that users may have installed manually. This process is calledconverting unmanaged apps to managed. When an administrator deploys the same app via MDM to a supervised device, Apple documentation specifies that the system silently converts the app to a managed state. No user interaction is required, and the existing app data remains intact. This avoids disruption while still giving the organization control over the app, including the ability to configure settings, update it, or remove it remotely. Options like requiring user approval or uninstalling the app are not part of the standard workflow; Apple designed the feature to ensure seamless transition for end users while granting IT management authority.