2020 iPad Pro gets eavesdropping protection

The newest MacBooks have a special feature for those who care about privacy. When the laptop lid is closed, the hardware microphone mute occurs. Thus, even if the computer is infected with spyware, attackers will not be able to listen to the owner.

Now a similar feature has been added to iPad Pro 2020. The device microphone will automatically turn off whenever the case is covered. By words Apple, so sound recording will become inaccessible to any software, even with administrator privileges.

The feature works with Smart Folio, Smart Keyboard Folio, and the new Magic Keyboard coming out in May. Third-party “Made for iPad” certified cases are also supported.

The hardware microphone mute feature first appeared in 2018 in MacBooks equipped with the Apple T2 security chip. These measures were taken by the company after the invasion of Apple computers by the FruitFly virus. It allowed attackers to intercept control of the Mac's mouse, keyboard, and webcam.