Apple's third-generation AirPods have three inbuilt microphones in each earbud versus two microphones per earphone for the second-generation model.
Microphone
How to broadcast Portrait mode video and use audio effects in FaceTime, Instagram, Snapchat and similar apps
The new FaceTime portrait video feature in iOS 15 isn't actually exclusive to FaceTime—it can also be used to create a blur in video calls conducted via other apps, like Zoom and Snapchat.
Colorize iOS 14’s Status Bar-based camera and microphone indicators with IndiColor
New in iOS 14 are colorful Status Bar-based dot indicators that alert you to when your handset’s camera or microphone are being used – a commendable feature with respect to privacy.
By default, the camera indicator dot appears green, while the microphone indicator dot appears a light orange. Unfortunately, there’s no way to change these colors on a stock device.
iPadOS 14.5 improves iPad microphone privacy when using smart folio cases
Apple's iPadOS 14.5 software disables onboard microphones when you close your iPad smart folio case, another way the company continues to boost user privacy across its platforms.
What are the green and orange dots in my iPhone and iPad status bar?
If you’ve suddenly seen a green or orange dot in the status bar of your iPhone or iPad, you’ve probably wondered what it means. You might not have been worried enough to do a Google search, but here you are visiting iDownloadBlog, spotted this article, and figure now’s the time to find out.
We’ve actually covered these colored dots already. The thing is, we explained them based on a new feature in iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, not on the dots themselves. So here you go, here’s what the green and orange dots in your status bar mean.
How to view which app is using your camera or microphone on iPhone and iPad
The iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 updates brought some enhancements to privacy and security. Things like Photos library limits and password monitoring are nice improvements. A couple more changes in this category will help you when using your camera or microphone.
If you’re currently using your camera or microphone for an app, you’ll see an indicator at the top of your screen. In addition, you can see which app is using that tool currently along with which app used it last. These are helpful additions to the security features on your device, so we want to show you how to use them.
Quorra brings iOS 14’s privacy indicator dots to jailbroken iOS 13 devices
When iOS & iPadOS 14 are released this Fall, the software updates will introduce a bevy of useful new features to the iPhone and iPad platforms. Perhaps one of the most intriguing features that seemed to slip under the radar are the new privacy-centric indicator dots that appear the top of the display when an app or service begins accessing your handset’s camera, location, or microphone.
This particular feature was so highly sought after that even the Android community quickly developed a way to port this feature to their handsets. Unfortunately for those running iOS & iPadOS 13 or earlier, a similar solution wasn’t available – at least not until now, thanks to a new and free jailbreak tweak release dubbed Quorra by iOS developer Lightmann.
iOS 14’s new orange light warns you when an app is using your microphone
In iOS and iPadOS 14, you'll see a handy new orange light indicator in the status bar of your iPhone and iPad whenever an app happens to be using your microphone.
Accessory Spotlight: Blue Yeti USB microphone
Welcome to Accessory Spotlight, a weekly column where we highlight an accessory that we find to be incredibly useful, a fantastic value, or both. This week we’ve selected the Blue Yeti USB microphone. There are obviously hundreds of microphones in this space but we like the Yeti because it's super easy to set up, it sounds great whether you are podcasting, streaming or recording music, and its price tag won't break the bank.
2020 iPad Pro disconnects its microphones when not in use to prevent eavesdropping
Apple has acknowledged that all 2020 iPad Pro models will disconnect their built-in microphones at the hardware level when a case is attached to the tablet and closed. The privacy and security enhancement prevents malicious software from secretly recording users.
How to prevent Mac apps from using your FaceTime camera & mic without permission Mac
macOS Mojave strengthened user security and privacy by barring apps from using the built-in FaceTime camera or microphone without your explicit consent. Here's how to review and manage which Mac apps are permitted to access your computer's camera or microphone.
Apple’s no longer providing free speaker repair to iPhone 7 users
A few months ago, Apple ostensibly acknowledged that some iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus units were experiencing issues with the built-in microphone. As such, an internal memo showed that Apple was willing to fix those handsets free of charge, even when they were out of warranty. Unfortunately, it now looks like Cupertino is no longer offering that exemption.