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NATO Lists iPhone and iPad for Handling ‘Restricted’ Classified Data

Built on a German BSI security evaluation, the NIAPC listing allows stock devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to be used without extra software.

Overview

  • iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now in NATO’s Information Assurance Product Catalogue, enabling use with NATO‑restricted data across member states.
  • Apple says iPhone and iPad are the first and only consumer devices to meet these assurance requirements, and they do so without custom hardware or third‑party apps.
  • The clearance stems from exhaustive BSI testing that validated Apple’s built‑in protections, leading to NATO acceptance for standard device configurations.
  • Apple cites Secure Enclave, hardware‑backed encryption, Face ID/Touch ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement as the core features underpinning compliance.
  • The approval covers only NATO’s lowest classification tier and does not make these devices NATO’s official standard; native Mail, Calendar, and Contacts are listed for secure access, and organizations may still require device supervision.