**Apple’s iPhone and iPad Obtain NATO Certification: A Landmark in Mobile Security**
Today, Apple revealed a major leap in mobile security: the iPhone and iPad have become the inaugural consumer devices authorized for use on classified NATO networks. This remarkable accomplishment enables an off-the-shelf iPhone operating on iOS 26 to connect to restricted NATO information without requiring specialized security software or tailored hardware alterations.
In a comment to *9to5Mac*, Ivan Krstić, Apple’s vice president of Security Engineering and Architecture, highlighted the significance of this certification. He remarked, “This milestone acknowledges that Apple has revolutionized the way security is conventionally provided. Before the iPhone, secure devices were accessible only to advanced government and corporate entities following substantial investment in customized security solutions. Rather, Apple has created the most secure devices globally for all its users, and those same safeguards are now officially certified under assurance standards for NATO countries, setting them apart from any other device in the market.”
### How Apple Secured NATO Certification
Obtaining NATO certification is no easy feat; it is the outcome of a lengthy and thorough process. The iPhone and iPad had earlier received consent to manage classified German government information, due to the intrinsic security features of iOS and iPadOS. This approval came after comprehensive evaluations and technical reviews carried out by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Building upon this groundwork, Apple has now attained formal certification for its devices using iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 throughout all NATO nations.
Following this achievement, Apple’s devices are now officially featured in the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue. This certification depends on the strong security attributes embedded in every contemporary iPhone and iPad, which include:
– Industry-leading encryption
– Biometric authentication utilizing Face ID and Touch ID
– Memory Integrity Enforcement integrated into Apple Silicon
Claudia Plattner, BSI’s president, stated, “Successful secure digital transformation can only occur if information security is integrated from the outset in the development of mobile products. Building on BSI’s thorough audit of iOS and iPadOS platform and device security for use in classified German information contexts, we are delighted to affirm the compliance under NATO nations’ assurance standards.”
### Consequences of NATO Certification
Though most users may never require access to NATO-restricted information, this certification carries substantial implications. It authenticates the security framework of the iPhone and iPad, offering enterprise and commercial clients heightened confidence in Apple’s security strategy. Similar to obtaining a FedRAMP Authorization to Operate (ATO) for U.S. government agreements, this certification emphasizes the efficacy of Apple’s comprehensive security initiative, all while preserving an exceptional user experience.
In summary, Apple’s success in attaining NATO certification for the iPhone and iPad represents a significant milestone in mobile security, demonstrating the company’s dedication to delivering secure, user-friendly devices for everyone.