- iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 get NATO Restricted approval without the need for software changes
- Apple emphasized that it makes secure devices for “all of its users” — not just NATO
- The latest M5 and A19 chips get a special shoutout
Apple has confirmed that iPhones and iPads running iOS/iPadOS 26 and later have been approved to handle classified information up to the NATO restricted level – the first time any consumer device has been rated to such an extreme.
NATO’s information security product catalog also lists qualified devices running the indigo configuration and states that they provide secure access to mail, calendar and contact data.
“Indigo does not require any special additional software or settings beyond managing and monitoring devices using a device management service,” NATO wrote, acknowledging that off-the-shelf iPhones and iPads are covered.
iPhones and iPads are now NATO Restricted certified
Apple credited features like “best-in-class encryption, biometric authentication with Face ID, and cutting-edge features like Memory Integrity Enforcement” for its certification. NATO also recognized Apple Silicon, which has Secure Enclave’s encryption.
iOS 26 is backwards compatible all the way back to the iPhone 11 family and iPhone SE 2. iPadOS 26 also supports older devices spanning M-series chips to some A-series chips.
Although the NATO certification covers the operating systems, suggesting that all supported devices are covered, the organization referred to the always-on memory security for M5 and A19 devices, suggesting that newer devices may be more suitable.
Apart from devices, the accreditation comes from Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) testing and analysis.
“Following BSI’s rigorous audit of iOS and iPadOS platforms and device security for use in classified German information environments, we are pleased to confirm compliance with NATO countries’ security requirements,” wrote BSI President Claudia Plattner.
Apple emphasized that its intention was not to create NATO-grade secure devices, but rather to create secure devices for everyone. “Apple has built the most secure devices in the world for all its users, VP of Security Engineering and Architecture, Ivan Krstić, added, “and the same protections are now uniquely certified under warranty requirements of NATO nations – unlike any other device in the industry.”
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