Apple has announced that iPhone and iPad are now approved for processing classified NATO information. This makes them the first and only consumer devices to meet the information security requirements of NATO member states. The devices are authorized to process information up to the "NATO Restricted" security level, which corresponds to the "Office Use Only" classification. This certification applies to standard, commercially available devices and requires no additional specialized software or configuration.
Security has been a core component of Apple's product development for years. Hardware, software, and Apple's own chips are designed with security features integrated from the outset. This approach distinguishes Apple from many other manufacturers, where security solutions are often added later.
With the current NATO approval, this integrated security approach is now also confirmed at the national and international level. The decision applies to iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 and is valid in all NATO countries.
NATO certification for iPhone and iPad
Apple has officially announced that iPhone and iPad meet the information security requirements of NATO member states. They are thus the first and only consumer devices approved for processing classified information up to the "NATO Restricted" level.
The "NATO Restricted" security level permits the processing of classified information categorized as "For Official Use Only". No other mobile consumer device currently meets this government certification level.
The approval applies to devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. These versions are now certified for use in all NATO countries.
Confirmation by the Federal Office for Information Security
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) played a key role. Even before NATO approval, the BSI had confirmed that commercially available iPhones and iPads were suitable for processing German classified information of the category "VS – For Official Use Only".
As part of the NATO certification process, the BSI conducted comprehensive technical assessments, extensive testing, and thorough security analyses. The goal was to ensure that Apple's integrated platform security features meet the stringent operational and security requirements of NATO member states.
Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI (Federal Office for Information Security), stated that a secure digital transformation can only succeed if information security is considered from the outset in the development of mobile products. Building on the previously completed security audit of the iOS and iPadOS platforms for classified German information, the BSI has now confirmed compliance with the relevant NATO security requirements.
Apple's integrated security architecture
Apple integrates security features directly into hardware, software, and chips. This holistic approach ensures that protection mechanisms are deeply embedded in the system. Key security features include:
- Advanced encryption
- Biometric authentication with Face ID
- Memory Integrity Enforcement
- Tight integration of operating system, hardware and Apple chips
These security measures are considered industry-leading and now also meet the strict national and international requirements for confidential data.
Ivan Krstić, Apple's Vice President of Security Engineering and Architecture, explained that before the iPhone, secure devices were only available to specialized government and corporate organizations. These solutions required significant investment and customized security concepts. Apple fundamentally changed this approach by developing the most secure devices for all users. These very integrated security measures are now certified according to the security requirements of NATO member states.
Inclusion in the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue
Another milestone is the inclusion of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 in the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue. This listing officially confirms that the integrated security features meet NATO requirements.
The approval is valid in all NATO states and makes iPhone and iPad officially recognized devices for processing information of the category "NATO Restricted."
Apple achieves NATO approval for iPhone and iPad
With the approval of the iPhone and iPad for access to classified NATO information, Apple has taken a significant step in mobile security. These devices are the first and only consumer devices to meet the requirements for "NATO Restricted."
The comprehensive review by the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security), the official certification in all NATO member states, and the inclusion in the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue underscore Apple's strong security position. The integrated security architecture, comprising hardware, software, and proprietary chips, forms the basis for this official recognition.
Apple continues to work to ensure the safety of consumers, businesses, and governments, and to maintain a high level of security across all devices. (Image: Apple)
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