Apple iPhones and iPads Achieve NATO Classified Data Certification
Key Certification Details
Apple's iPhone and iPad have received approval for handling classified information within NATO restricted environments. This significant development makes them the first consumer devices to comply with the information assurance requirements of NATO nations.
The certification allows iPhone and iPad to process classified data up to the NATO restricted level without requiring additional software or specialized settings.
This level of government certification has not been achieved by any other consumer mobile devices, marking a unique milestone for Apple.
Evaluation Process
The approval for NATO environments follows an extensive security testing and evaluation process. This comprehensive assessment was conducted by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The BSI performed deep technical assessments and thorough security analysis to ensure Apple's built-in platform security capabilities met the stringent operational and assurance requirements of NATO nations.
Previously, iPhone and iPad had already gained approval for managing classified German government data, utilizing native iOS and iPadOS security measures. Now, devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are officially certified for this advanced use across all NATO nations.
Security Approach
Apple integrates security features into its products from their initial design stages. These foundational protections, which include robust encryption, Face ID biometric authentication, and advanced Memory Integrity Enforcement, are now recognized as meeting stringent government and international security standards for restricted data.
Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI, emphasized the importance of this approach: "Successful digital transformation relies on considering information security from the outset of mobile product development."
Ivan Krstić, Apple's Vice President of Security Engineering and Architecture, commented on the significance of this achievement. He noted that it "signifies a transformation in security delivery," highlighting that Apple has built secure devices for all users, which are now certified under NATO assurance requirements.