- iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 get restricted NATO approval with no software changes required
- Apple stressed that it makes secure devices for “all its users”, not just for NATO
- Latest M5 and A19 chips receive special recognition
Apple has confirmed that iPhones and iPads running iOS/iPadOS 26 and later have been approved to handle classified information up to the restricted NATO level, the first time a consumer device has been classified to such an extreme level.
The NATO Information Assurance Product Catalog also lists eligible devices running the indigo configuration, indicating that they provide secure access to Mail, Calendar and Contacts data.
“Indigo does not require any special additional software or configuration beyond managing and monitoring devices using a device management service,” NATO wrote, acknowledging that commercially available iPhones and iPads are covered.
iPhones and iPads now have restricted NATO certification
Apple attributed its certification to features like “best-in-class encryption, biometric authentication with Face ID, and innovative features like Memory Integrity Enforcement.” NATO also recognized Apple Silicon, which features Secure Enclave encryption.
iOS 26 is backward compatible with the iPhone 11 family and iPhone SE 2. iPadOS 26 is also compatible with older devices, going beyond the M-series chips to some A-series chips.
Although NATO certification covers operating systems, suggesting that all supported devices are covered, the organization referenced always-on memory security for the M5 and A19 devices, implying that newer devices may be more suitable.
Aside from the devices, the accreditation comes from testing and analysis by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
“Extending BSI’s rigorous audit of iOS and iPadOS platform and device security for use in German classified information environments, we are pleased to confirm compliance with NATO nations’ assurance requirements,” wrote BSI President Claudia Plattner.
Apple emphasized that its intention was not to create NATO-level secure devices, but to create secure devices for everyone. “Apple has built the world’s most secure devices for all its users, added Vice President of Security Engineering and Architecture Ivan Krstić, “and those same protections are now uniquely certified to assurance requirements for NATO nations, unlike any other device in the industry.”
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
