NATO Approves Use of iPhones and iPads for Confidential Data

According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, Apple has announced that devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 can now handle classified information without the need for specialized software or configurations. This approval extends to the lowest level of NATO’s classification, designated as ‘Restricted,’ which applies to information that, if disclosed, would be detrimental to NATO’s interests.

This development follows an extensive evaluation by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), which had previously authorized iPhones and iPads for managing classified government information. The broader NATO endorsement signifies that the security protocols of these devices now meet stringent international and governmental standards.

Apple highlighted its built-in security features as key to meeting these requirements. These include robust encryption, biometric authentication through Face ID, and the ‘Memory Integrity Enforcement’ feature, specifically designed to counter spyware. These internal protections are now recognized as sufficient for handling sensitive data across all NATO member states.

This decision echoes a similar approval granted to BlackBerry 10 devices in 2013 for storing this classification level of information. The Verifier reports that Apple’s internal security measures are considered adequate for the demanding security needs of governments and international organizations.