Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 must implement the management setting: disable paired Apple Watch.

Severity	Group ID	Group Title	Version	Rule ID	Date	STIG Version
medium	V-278807	PP-MDF-993300	AIOS-26-012600	SV-278807r1151172_rule	2025-12-01	1

Description
Sensitive DOD could be exposed if an unauthorized Apple Watch is paired to a DOD iPhone. SFR ID: FMT_SMF.1.1 #47

ℹ️ Check
Review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Paired Watch" is disabled. This is a supervised-only control. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is not supervised by the MDM, this control is automatically a finding. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is supervised by the MDM, follow these procedures: This check procedure is performed on both the device management tool and the iPhone. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the iOS management tool, verify "Allow Paired Watch" is unchecked. On the iPhone: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "VPN & Device Management". 4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the restrictions policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Verify "Paired Apple Watch not allowed" is listed. If "Paired Apple Watch not allowed" is not listed both in the management tool and on the Apple device, this is a finding.

ℹ️ Check

Review configuration settings to confirm "Allow Paired Watch" is disabled. This is a supervised-only control. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is not supervised by the MDM, this control is automatically a finding. If the iPhone or iPad being reviewed is supervised by the MDM, follow these procedures: This check procedure is performed on both the device management tool and the iPhone. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the iOS management tool, verify "Allow Paired Watch" is unchecked. On the iPhone: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "General". 3. Tap "VPN & Device Management". 4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the restrictions policy. 5. Tap "Restrictions". 6. Verify "Paired Apple Watch not allowed" is listed. If "Paired Apple Watch not allowed" is not listed both in the management tool and on the Apple device, this is a finding.

✔️ Fix
Install a configuration profile to disable the Apple Watch control in the management tool. This is a supervised-only control. Configuration Profile Key: allowPairedWatch