We’ve all heard of the MIL-STD 810H standard for rugged devices designed for use in the battlefield. Samsung offers several models of phones and tablets specifically for use by special forces. But now Apple’s iPhone and iPad have become the first consumer devices approved to handle NATO classified information at the “NATO restricted” level, without the need for special software or additional settings.
The NATO security certification is for iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. The BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik) conducted an in-depth technical evaluation, comprehensive testing, and security analysis before approving the devices for use with German and NATO-wide classified data. Apple devices were found to be able to handle NATO classified information using built-in security features like best-in-class encryption and Face ID.
Apple was also the first company to offer Lockdown Mode on iPhones for journalists and activists who don’t want their data to be spied on by third parties. This feature has already been used by journalists in the United States to lock down their devices after they’ve been detained by authorities.
