Apple has added an anti-eavesdropping feature to the 2020 iPad Pro that ensures the microphone hardware is disabled when a case is attached to the iPad and closed.
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The security feature was first introduced in 2018 in MacBook models using Apple's T2 security chip, which includes a hardware microphone disconnect feature that disables the mics when the notebook's lid is closed.
As spotted by 9to5Mac, an updated version of Apple's Platform Security document makes clear that the anti-eavesdropping is also available on all 2020 iPad Pro models when using an MFi-compliant case.
iPad models beginning in 2020 also feature the hardware microphone disconnect. When an MFi compliant case (including those sold by Apple) is attached to the iPad and closed, the microphone is disconnected in hardware, preventing microphone audio data being made available to any software—even with root or kernel privileges in iPadOS or in case the firmware is compromised.
Apple updated the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models last month with a faster A12Z Bionic chip, a new 10MP Ultra Wide camera to complement the traditional 12MP camera, and a LiDAR depth scanner for improved augmented reality experiences.
For some 2018 iPad Pro owners at least, these updates are relatively modest, but the new security features outlined in Apple's documentation may be enough to tempt more privacy-conscious users.
Top Rated Comments
Doesn't matter if the cover is closed or not, it's still unworkable and incredibly stupid after 8 years.What if I want Siri to work?
The thing I love about the Mac is that the camera and green light are linked together through hardware. If the camera is switched on, that light will show. Because of that, I’ve never worried about a cover on my laptop.I appreciate this kind of thing, Apple.
This also seems to give validity to camera covers.
An optional setting would be good. But if not, only options would be to use Hey Siri on another device if you have one, and to leave your ipad uncovered during the lecture.
If it's a hardware deactivation of the mic, there's definitely no software path around it, that's the whole point!Siri works really well for me and I would like it to work even if I have a keyboard case with the cover closed. I hope they have a setting for that.
And this isn’t just about Siri. What if I’m recording a voice memo or something similar. I used to do that a lot with the Smart cover on my iPad 2 to record lectures at the university.
It’s a really nice attention to detail by Apple.
Is that true! I didn’t know that :)
This also seems to give validity to camera covers.
An optional setting would be good. But if not, only options would be to use Hey Siri on another device if you have one, and to leave your ipad uncovered during the lecture.Siri works really well for me and I would like it to work even if I have a keyboard case with the cover closed. I hope they have a setting for that.
And this isn’t just about Siri. What if I’m recording a voice memo or something similar. I used to do that a lot with the Smart cover on my iPad 2 to record lectures at the university.
What if I want Siri to work?
True, Siri is a pain in the ass. But I’ll tolerate that pain in exchange for a trustworthy container for my personal data. That’s a far bigger consideration that Siri’s feebleness.Doesn't matter if the cover is closed or not, it's still unworkable and incredibly stupid after 8 years.