iPhone and iPad approved to handle classified NATO information
Apple announced its iPhones and iPads are now approved to handle NATO Restricted classified information, a first for consumer devices, following extensive evaluation by the German government. While Apple framed this as a testament to its industry-leading security, many on Hacker News quickly highlighted that 'NATO Restricted' is the lowest classification level, prompting debate on the actual significance of the achievement. This discussion also veered into a hypothetical analysis of how Steve Jobs might have handled such an announcement or current political figures, contrasting his approach with Tim Cook's.
The Lowdown
Apple has declared that its iPhone and iPad devices, specifically those running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, have been approved for handling classified information up to the NATO Restricted level. This marks a significant milestone as they are the first and only consumer devices to meet these rigorous information assurance requirements, without needing special software.
- The certification was granted after extensive security testing and evaluation by Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
- Apple emphasizes that the security protections, such as best-in-class encryption, Face ID, and Memory Integrity Enforcement, are built into the hardware and software for all users, now recognized for government use.
- This approval allows iPhone and iPad to be listed on the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue.
- Ivan Krstić, Apple's VP of Security Engineering and Architecture, stated this achievement transforms how security is delivered, making sophisticated security accessible to all, not just specialized government organizations.
This approval signifies Apple's successful penetration into a new segment of secure government and defense use, leveraging its existing platform security to meet stringent international standards for sensitive data.
The Gossip
Classification Clarification
The most prominent theme revolved around the actual significance of the 'NATO Restricted' classification. Many commenters quickly pointed out that this is the lowest tier of NATO classification, often not requiring security clearance and only a small step above unclassified. They argued Apple's press release overstates the achievement, implying it's less impressive than portrayed. However, some countered that even a low-tier certification for consumer devices is a starting point and a precursor to potentially higher classifications, suggesting it still opens up a significant market for Apple within NATO operations.
Jobsian Judgments
A lengthy tangent emerged speculating on how Steve Jobs would have reacted to modern political and corporate landscapes, contrasting his hypothetical actions with those of Tim Cook. Initial comments suggested Jobs would have been a vocal critic of certain political figures and used Apple's resources to fight against perceived injustices. This was met with considerable skepticism, as many commenters argued that Jobs, despite his charisma, was also a ruthless businessman, and would likely have prioritized Apple's interests, potentially aligning with or manipulating figures like Donald Trump if it served his goals. Comparisons were drawn to his past behaviors regarding labor and personal relationships, painting a more nuanced and less idealized picture.