Apple’s recent iOS 14 software update could be the most privacy-focused to date.
Under the changes, iPhone users will now be notified when apps use their camera or microphone.
Once the phone is updated with the new software, users will see an indicator dot in the top right of the screen when either the camera or microphone is being used.
In iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, there’s an easy way to tell if an app is using your camera or microphone.
Just look for this indicator at the top of your iPhone or iPad. Like this. pic.twitter.com/jZuO6A5UzY
— Apple Support (@AppleSupport) September 17, 2020
The green dot means the camera is in use, while an orange dot means the microphone is in use.
While many apps use these functions for legitimate causes, the update is set to expose certain apps for using the camera or microphone without user consent.
It is part of a wider security crackdown on apps by Apple.
Apple has already announced it will be deprecating the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA), which is used by apps to deliver targetted advertising.
Facebook has led the calls against this proposed change, warning the move would “severely impact” its lucrative Audience Network.
Apple announced earlier this month they were delaying this change until “early next year”, to give developers more time to prepare.
