The iPhone and iPad have been approved to hold NATO-restricted information, according to a recent announcement. This means that off-the-shelf devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 can handle classified information without requiring special software or settings, as stated by Apple.
The NATO-restricted designation is the lowest level of classified information and applies to information that would be “disadvantageous to the interests of NATO” if disclosed. This is based on a security document posted by the Marines. It’s worth noting that BlackBerry 10 phones received similar approval to hold this level of classified information back in 2013. The approval for Apple devices follows an “extensive evaluation” process.
The approval of iPhone and iPad devices to handle classified information is expected to have significant implications for the use of these devices in secure environments. As Apple continues to expand its presence in the enterprise and government sectors, this approval is likely to further boost the adoption of its devices in these areas. Further details on the evaluation process and the implications of this approval are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
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