Webcam covers can help protect your privacy, but they might also end up damaging your MacBook's screen.

Pretty much every modern laptop comes with a built-in webcam, which is also true for MacBooks. And while macOS has privacy features to prevent others from spying through your webcam, some people opt for cheap webcam covers to completely block the lens.

The reasoning behind this hasn't changed much since our 2016 discussion on whether covering a laptop's camera is a wise move or paranoia. Yes, covering the lens can protect you from being spied on, but that small piece of plastic can also end up damaging your display.

This isn't our assumption — it comes from a recommendation by Apple. The company claims that closing the lid of a MacBook with a camera cover installed can damage the screen, since the gap between the display and the keyboard was designed with millimeter precision to ensure the lid closes properly. Anything you add between these two can put extra pressure on the components, resulting in cracks in the glass and display. Apple also notes that residue left from attaching and removing webcam covers can prevent other features that use the camera sensors, like automatic brightness, from working properly.

When you close the lid on your MacBook (whether it's a Neo, Air or Pro) the screen rests on top of the keyboard and palm rest. There's no room for anything else — the glass can even occasionally rub against the keyboard, leaving small imprint marks on the glass.

Source link