NASA astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission carried iPhones into space, marking a significant milestone in certifying consumer hardware for orbital use. While the phones cannot connect to the internet or use Bluetooth, the astronauts utilized them to capture photos and videos of Earth and the spacecraft's journey. This approval process, typically lengthy and complex, involved rigorous safety checks to ensure the devices wouldn't pose hazards in microgravity. Apple confirmed it had no role in the certification, highlighting the iPhone 17 Pro Max's inherent suitability for space environments.

The mission demonstrates NASA's willingness to adapt to modern technology for documentation and crew morale, potentially paving the way for broader use of consumer electronics in future space missions.