iPhone and iPad have been approved for NATO Restricted level: certification confirmed compliance with security requirements

NATO has approved the use of iPhone and iPad for handling classified information. Apple noted that the devices received certification without the need to install special software or change standard settings.

What is known

The decision was made following a comprehensive examination conducted by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Back in 2022, the regulator allowed the use of iPhone and iPad in German government structures. To gain NATO Restricted classification level access, the agency conducted an in-depth technical audit, comprehensive testing, and a detailed analysis of security mechanisms.

Certification applies to iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. According to Apple, these are the first consumer devices to meet NATO requirements without additional system modifications.

BSI President Claudia Plattner, in a comment published in Apple's press release, emphasized that secure digital transformation is only possible with the integration of information security at early stages of product development. She confirmed that after a thorough audit of the iOS and iPadOS platforms, the devices meet the NATO countries' requirements for protecting classified data.

Source: Apple