AI firms, to manage the Pentagon’s classified data, saw the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) approve the iPhone and iPad for handling some of its confidential information. In a press announcement from Apple, the company stated that these common consumer technology devices are the first to receive authorization for use with classified data, provided they operate within NATO’s controlled settings, meaning they must adhere to certain security configurations on iPhone and iPad devices.
Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has validated Apple’s iPhone and iPad devices, as long as they are equipped with Apple’s latest mobile operating software, including iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. What adds intrigue to this announcement is the fact that no additional security measures (like specialized software or extra hardware) are required beyond iOS for NATO members to access that data. It’s crucial to understand that this does not imply that an individual’s personal iPhone or iPad will gain access to the data.
iPhone and iPad devices operating on iOS 26 can retrieve documents categorized up to NATO Restricted, which is the lowest of the four levels of classified data recognized by the organization. In simpler terms, this indicates that unauthorized access could pose a risk to NATO’s interests, but it would not be deemed extremely harmful if disclosed. These documents typically disclose details regarding operational planning, internal reports, specific logistics information, security protocols, and some communications among member nations.