In a significant development, NATO has officially sanctioned the use of iPhones and iPads for storing NATO-restricted information. The approval signifies that standard devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now deemed secure enough to manage classified data without the need for additional software or configurations, as reported by The Verge.
The NATO-restricted classification represents the lowest tier of classified data, encompassing information that could be detrimental to NATO’s interests if exposed. Notably, this clearance aligns with the endorsement granted to BlackBerry 10 phones back in 2013 for handling similar levels of classified information.
Following a meticulous assessment by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Apple’s iPhone and iPad have now received the green light for processing classified data within the German government. Subsequently, the BSI has extended its approval to Apple devices with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 for use across NATO member nations.
Apple attributes this milestone to the robust security features embedded in its devices, such as encryption, Face ID biometric authentication, and Memory Integrity Enforcement aimed at combatting spyware. These measures have been acknowledged as meeting rigorous government and international security standards.
Source: The Verge