Microsoft and Apple Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography Support in Upcoming OS Releases

At the forefront of the shift to quantum-safe security, Microsoft and Apple are gearing up to embed post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into their next major operating system updates. These developments mark a significant milestone in preparing everyday digital platforms for the quantum computing era.

Apple’s Quantum-Secure Leap at WWDC25

During its Worldwide Developers Conference 2025 (WWDC25), Apple announced that the upcoming releases of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and visionOS 26 will introduce support for negotiating quantum-secure key exchange algorithms with TLS 1.3 servers that also support these advanced protocols. This means apps and services running on Apple’s platforms will begin to communicate using cryptographic methods designed to resist attacks by quantum computers.

Importantly, Apple ensures backward compatibility: if a server does not support quantum-safe algorithms yet, the OS will seamlessly fall back to conventional key exchange methods. This pragmatic approach allows for a smooth transition without disrupting existing connectivity.

Apple first incorporated PQC in iMessage last year, and this expansion to external servers significantly broadens the quantum-resilient footprint. The new operating system versions are expected to launch this fall alongside Apple’s product announcements.

In addition to system-level support, Apple introduced a set of quantum-secure APIs showcased at WWDC25, empowering developers to build PQC-enabled apps. These APIs support:

Post-quantum Hybrid Public Key Encryption (HPKE) using X-Wing
ML-KEM key encapsulation (768 and 1024 variants)
ML-DSA digital signatures (variants 65 and 87)
Hybrid signature workflows combining classical and post-quantum algorithms

These cryptographic keys are securely managed via CryptoKit and stored in the Keychain, with optional protection by Apple’s Secure Enclave for enhanced hardware-backed security.

Microsoft’s Quantum-Ready Windows Insider Release

Microsoft has also taken strides by integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) support into the next Windows 11 preview builds available to Windows Insider program participants. This preview includes support for:

ML-KEM, a key encapsulation mechanism based on the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm
ML-DSA, a digital signature scheme based on CRYSTALS-Dilithium

Both algorithms are among those standardized by NIST for post-quantum cryptography, representing robust defenses against quantum-enabled attacks.

While a general release date for the PQC-enabled Windows 11 version remains unconfirmed, it is anticipated later this year, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to preparing its OS ecosystem for quantum resilience.

What This Means for Developers and Security

By integrating PQC into mainstream operating systems, Apple and Microsoft are enabling developers to adopt quantum-safe cryptographic workflows natively. This proactive shift not only strengthens app security against future quantum threats but also encourages industry-wide adoption of next-generation encryption standards.

Developers can leverage the new Apple APIs to experiment with hybrid signatures and post-quantum key exchanges today in beta environments, accelerating readiness for when quantum computers become capable of compromising traditional algorithms.

How Encryption Consulting Can Help

At Encryption Consulting, we recognize the challenges organizations face as quantum computing advances threaten conventional encryption methods. Our Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Advisory Services provide comprehensive support to help you assess your current cryptographic landscape, develop a tailored quantum readiness strategy, and implement quantum-resistant solutions smoothly and securely.

Our expert team guides you through quantum threat assessments, vendor evaluations, proof-of-concept development, and compliance with emerging standards. We ensure your cryptographic infrastructure is resilient, agile, and ready to protect your critical data and systems against quantum threats.