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Apple says iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are listed for use with information up to NATO RESTRICTED. The evaluation was conducted by Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), not by NATO. The approval has a defined software, app and configuration scope; it does not automatically authorize every device, app or government workflow.
What Apple announced—and what “approved” means
On 26 February 2026, Apple announced that iPhone and iPad running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 were listed for handling information up to NATO RESTRICTED across NATO nations. Apple’s certification record identifies the evaluation as BSI-VSA-11003. The record is dated 25 November 2025 and lists validation through 31 October 2027.
“Up to NATO RESTRICTED” is a ceiling, not a blanket clearance for all classified information. The announcement concerns the evaluated operating-system platform and its approved use context. It does not mean that NATO itself performed the technical evaluation or that buying an iPhone or iPad alone authorizes classified work.
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Germany’s BSI conducted technical assessments, testing and security analysis, according to Apple’s announcement. Apple’s certification page says BSI and an independent laboratory assessed the security features and secure-use possibilities of iOS and iPadOS for the German indigo solution. It describes the assessment as based on Common Criteria standards and methodology at EAL4+ assurance level.
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Apple relayed a statement from BSI president Claudia Plattner confirming compliance with NATO nations’ assurance requirements. That is a statement about the result; the technical evaluation described by Apple was carried out by BSI and an independent laboratory.
Which apps and information are in scope
The documented app scope is Apple’s built-in Mail, Contacts and Calendar. Apple’s certification page describes these integrated apps as complementing secure mobile solutions for Germany’s “Verschlusssache – nur für den Dienstgebrauch” classification. The NATO Information Assurance catalogue’s indexed entry describes iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 with an indigo configuration as providing secure access to Mail, Calendar and Contacts at NATO RESTRICTED, when the corresponding security configuration requirements are met. The catalogue page could not be directly inspected, so its entry details should be read as indexed official text.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
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Neither source establishes that all third-party apps, other data classes, or every way of using those built-in apps is covered. An organisation must still determine whether its intended workflow fits the approved scope and its own security rules.
Does an iPhone need special settings?
Apple says no special software or settings are required. That should not be mistaken for approval of an unmanaged, arbitrary setup: the catalogue entry refers to an indigo configuration and says corresponding security configuration requirements must be met. In practice, “no special software or settings” means Apple is not describing a separate bespoke add-on as a prerequisite; it does not remove the configuration and organisational controls that apply to approved use.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Are particular iPhone or iPad models covered?
The reviewed official records identify iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, but do not enumerate qualifying retail iPhone or iPad models. They therefore do not support saying that a named model is covered, or that a newly purchased device is ready for classified handling. Organisations should confirm device eligibility, configuration and authorization with their security authority before using a device for NATO RESTRICTED information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Certification dates to know
| Record detail | Date and meaning |
|---|---|
| Certification date | 25 November 2025, listed by Apple for iOS/iPadOS 26 under BSI-VSA-11003. |
| Apple announcement | 26 February 2026, when Apple announced the NATO RESTRICTED listing. |
| Validation date | 31 October 2027, the validation date shown on Apple’s record; it is not a guarantee that no review or update will occur before then. |
Apple’s certification page is the source for the record dates; consult the current record and the relevant organisation’s security authority for operational decisions.
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