The Pentagon cleared Apple Inc. devices for use on its networks, allowing iPhones and iPads to compete with Samsung Electronics Co. and BlackBerry for military sales.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed in a statement on Friday that Apple's iOS 6 mobile operating system is secure enough in order for military personal to connect securely to Pentagon networks.
Apple joins Samsung and BlackBerry on a short list of commercial smartphone makers that the Pentagon allow employees to use.
The Defense Dept. previously said it has up until now depended on around 470,000 BlackBerry devices, which have held U.S. government certification for many years. The department also has 41,000 Apple products and 8,700 devices running the Android operating system, according to the statement.
Samsung recently received the nod from the Pentagon for any Samsung device protected by the Knox security software, which includes the Galaxy S4 and other compatible tablets.
The Defense Dept. also said in the statement it will take "bold steps" to provide information and proper analysis as it strengthens its cloud computing, acquisition and data processes.
The Pentagon's decision to offer military personnel more options when choosing a workplace smartphone is indicative of a larger trend in the business market, as more companies let employees use the same devices at home and in the office.
