Apple iOS and iPadOS gain NATO restricted approval

Tech Radar reports that Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems, along with specific hardware, have received approval from NATO to handle classified information up to the Restricted level. This is the first time any consumer-grade mobile devices have met such stringent government security standards.

The approval, listed in NATO's Information Assurance Product Catalogue, applies to devices running the Indigo configuration and allows secure access to Mail, Calendar, and Contacts data. Notably, no additional software or special settings are required beyond standard device management.

Apple attributes this certification to features such as advanced encryption, Face ID biometric authentication, and Memory Integrity Enforcement. The M5 and A19 chips, particularly their Secure Enclave technology, received special mention. The certification process involved rigorous testing and analysis by Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

Source: Tech Radar