The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has officially approved iPhones and iPads as devices capable of securely processing information classified as 'Restricted'. This is a historic moment, as products from the Cupertino giant have become the first consumer mobile devices in the world to meet NATO's stringent security standards. This decision paves the way for the widespread use of Apple technology by military and diplomatic personnel of member countries in their daily duties.
Historic Global Certification
The iPhone and iPad are the first mass-market mobile devices to pass NATO security tests.
Restricted Data Level
The certification allows for handling information marked with the NATO Restricted classification, meaning confidential alliance documents.
End of the Bulky Device Era
Modern smartphones will replace specialized, limited-functionality encryption phones, improving personnel work comfort.
Advantage of a Closed System
Apple's success stems from full control over hardware and software, which was crucial for military experts.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has made a groundbreaking decision to certify iPhone smartphones and iPad tablets for handling classified information. According to new guidelines, these devices can now be used to store and transmit data marked with the 'Restricted' classification (NATO Restricted). This is the lowest level of classification, yet until now, no other mass-market mobile device has managed to pass the rigorous tests of the NIAPC. This decision marks the culmination of Apple's multi-year efforts to prove that its closed ecosystem based on M and A series chips provides sufficient data isolation. The certification process focused on built-in encryption mechanisms and protection against unauthorized access. NATO cybersecurity experts concluded that Apple's security architecture, including Secure Enclave modules, guarantees a level of protection unprecedented in the consumer sector. It is worth noting that these are devices any user can purchase in a regular store, which significantly reduces logistical costs for member states' armies. Until now, diplomats and high-ranking officers had to rely on specialized, thick, and uncomfortable phones, often colloquially called 'bricks', which offered only a fraction of the functionality of a modern smartphone. Since the cyberattack on Estonia in 2007, NATO has systematically placed increasing emphasis on the resilience of digital infrastructure. Modern hybrid warfare forces alliance structures to adapt the latest technologies while maintaining strict counterintelligence rigors. Although the certification concerns the 'Restricted' level, it is a clear signal to the market that the iOS platform is becoming a standard in government communication. Other systems, including the popular Android, still struggle with issues related to software fragmentation and lack of uniform control over the hardware layer, making it difficult to obtain similar credentials. Apple representatives emphasize that no special changes were made to the system's source code for the Alliance – the security stems directly from the standard construction of the devices. For military personnel, this means the ability to use modern operational applications while maintaining full communication confidentiality. „It is a level of government certification no other consumer mobile device has met.” — Apple Representative The use of Apple devices in military structures could accelerate the digitization of the battlefield. The ability to quickly access maps, intelligence reports, or tactical communication on a device that is intuitive to use drastically increases operational efficiency. Nevertheless, specialists warn that the hardware certification itself is only half the success, and adherence to digital hygiene procedures by the users themselves remains key.