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iPadOS 14.5 Beta 2 Mutes Built-In Microphone on iPad When Smart Folio is Closed

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According to Apple's release notes for the second betas of iOS and iPadOS 14.5 that were released this morning, the update introduces a new privacy feature that's aimed at limiting microphone access on the iPad with a Smart Folio.

Apple_new-iPad-Pro-apple-pencil-and-smart-keyboard-folio_03182020.jpg

On the iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), when the Smart Folio is closed, the built-in microphone will mute, but developers have an option to build their apps to opt out.
iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) now mute the built-in microphone when its Smart Folio is closed. To avoid unnecessarily recording the muted signal, the default behavior is to interrupt an audio session that is using the built-in microphone when the Smart Folio is closed. You can opt out of the interruption using the new AVAudioSession.CategoryOptions overrideMutedMicrophoneInterruption, allowing the audio session to continue playing uninterrupted while microphone input is muted. For more information, see Responding to Audio Session Interruptions.
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The release notes suggest that several bugs that were in the prior beta have also been addressed. Siri can share ETAs again in CarPlay, and vehicles can start CarPlay if the iPhone is set to share contacts. Locations from Maps can be shared to Notes and Reminders, plus there are several other smaller fixes and tweaks.

There are also a few known issues in the betas. The 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro are unable to connect to external displays using the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.

Today's betas may also have outward-facing changes that are not mentioned in the release notes, and if we find new features, we'll highlight them in a separate article.

Article Link: iPadOS 14.5 Beta 2 Mutes Built-In Microphone on iPad When Smart Folio is Closed
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/02/16/ipados-14-5-mutes-microphone-smart-folio/
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Seanm87 said:
Why would you build your app to opt out!? That’s so creepy!
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The default behavior is an interruption of both output and input, basically stopping an ongoing recording and any corresponding audio output. A developer can opt to continue the session, allowing continued output if needed, but the input would still be muted.
 
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Interesting, I never would have considered this as being something to worry about. Since we are already asked if we want to permit Mic access, I assumed they would leave it at that.

I do wish there was a hardware switch to completely disable cameras & Mics, but that is too much of an ask. But why not the 1st Gen 11” pro or earlier models?
 
Interesting, I like this feature.

I hope this doesn’t apply to locked devices, I mean devices that we’ve put to sleep just pressing the lock button, because sometimes I leave the phone recording while locked.
 
Let me guess, this only works with the 2020 smart folio case and not my 2018 smart folio case. 🤔😂

Nice feature, Mark Zukerberg won't be happy though. 😂
 
Why only the Smart Folio case? Why not all magnetic iPad cases (for all iPad models)? Better yet, shouldn't the mic be muted whenever the iPad is locked?
 
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What would be even better is a dedicated hardware/hardwired mute/disable switch/button on future hardware.
 
midkay said:
Imagine voice recorder apps that need to be able to continue recording even after the screen turns off.
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That in-of-itself seems creepy and illegal in a LOT of countries ... silent, unaware recordings. Of course iOS allows for this - so use your phone or an actual voice recorder - which has more dedicated storage for such use.
 
Since I turn off auto lock to counter YouTube not allowing background playback, I don’t think this feature matters to me that much.
 
code-m said:
What would be even better is a dedicated hardware/hardwired mute/disable switch/button on future hardware.
Click to expand...
Apple’s dedication of removing ports and buttons will forever prevent this from becoming a reality.
 
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