NATO Approves iPhone And iPad For Secure Handling Of Classified Data

Apple's iPhone and iPad devices running iOS and iPadOS 26, respectively, have become the first consumer-grade mobile devices officially approved to handle classified NATO information. This certification, announced by Apple following an evaluation by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), allows personnel across all 32 NATO member nations to use off-the-shelf Apple hardware for sensitive diplomatic and military data.

Up till now, the handling of classified data at the NATO Restricted (NR) level required more expensive equipment provided by defense contractors. These devices often featured less flashy hardware and lacked the UI experience found in the commercial market.

Apple’s approval for NATO use proves that its standard, mass-produced security architecture, including the Secure Enclave, Face ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement, is sufficient to meet international defense standards. Crucially, the devices require no third-party software or external security modifications to reach this compliance, allowing officers and staff ...