The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Friday that Apple devices running iOS 6 or later have been approved for access to its secure government networks.
In a statement released by the Defense Department, the U.S. government confirmed that iPhones and iPads running Apple’s latest mobile operating system are now cleared for use on its networks. The approval, which was expected, is part of a military plan to allow employees the flexibility to use commercial products on secure government networks.
The Pentagon gave indications last week that approval was forthcoming. The OK comes two weeks after similar approvals for Samsung Galaxy and BlackBerry 10 devices.
The new rules allow defense department employees to use the latest Apple devices, along with Samsung Knox-compatible units, and BlackBerry handsets running the company’s new BlackBerry 10 platform.