Apple's iPhone and iPad are the first consumer devices officially approved for processing classified data at NATO Restricted level across member countries.
© A. Krivonosov
Apple has announced that iPhone and iPad are now the first consumer devices officially approved for handling classified information at the NATO Restricted level across NATO member countries. This decision follows extensive security testing and evaluation conducted by Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 can now process restricted data without requiring special software or additional configuration.
According to the company, this certification confirms that Apple's built-in security mechanisms meet NATO's stringent information security requirements. This comprehensive security architecture includes hardware and software encryption, Face ID biometric authentication, and technologies like Memory Integrity Enforcement. All these features are implemented at the platform level and don't need separate configuration for secure environments.
Previously, iPhones and iPads had already received approval for handling classified information within German government agencies. This new development extends that clearance to all NATO countries. Following the evaluation, the devices have been added to the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue—the official list of solutions that comply with alliance standards.
BSI emphasized that secure digital transformation is only possible when security mechanisms are integrated from the product development stage. Apple noted that this achievement demonstrates a shift in mobile device security: features once available only in specialized government solutions are now implemented in mainstream consumer products.