In recent years, plastic webcam covers for MacBooks have become a popular accessory among users concerned about privacy. However, security experts now argue that these covers are not only unnecessary but can also physically damage the display. This article explains why you should stop using them.
The myth of webcam protection
Sliding plastic covers boomed in the 2010s, driven by fears that hackers could secretly activate the camera. While the concern was valid at the time, technology has moved on. As early as 2020, Apple began warning that these covers are not needed and can damage a MacBook's display. As seen in previous security updates, such as the enterprise printing bugs fixed by Apple in March 2026, hardware improvements often make such accessories obsolete.
How Apple made camera spying impossible
On modern Macs (Apple Silicon or Intel post-2008), a hacker cannot turn on the webcam without also triggering the green privacy indicator. The camera module hardware prevents it. Before 2008, the sensor and LED were software-linked, allowing sophisticated attacks, but since late 2008 Apple redesigned the circuitry so that the camera and LED share the same physical circuit. No known malware can bypass this hardware protection. For extra peace of mind, tools like OverSight by security researcher Patrick Wardle alert you whenever the webcam is active.
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The real risk: screen damage
Beyond privacy, there is a tangible hazard: cracking the display. Apple explicitly warns against closing a MacBook with anything thicker than 0.1 mm (about a sheet of paper) between the screen and chassis. Today's Retina panels are extremely thin with tight hinge tolerances. Placing a cover on the camera and closing the lid applies concentrated pressure to one of the most delicate parts of the screen, potentially causing cracks or permanent marks. Repeated closing can also scratch the display from key contact. For these reasons, security professionals, including those cited on Wikipedia's computer security page, advise against using camera covers.
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Conclusion: ditch the cover
In summary, MacBook webcam covers do not meaningfully improve privacy, may interfere with features like True Tone, and pose a real risk of screen damage. The safest approach is to remove them and trust Apple's built-in hardware protection. A simple microfiber cloth placed over the keyboard before closing the lid is a much better habit for preserving your display.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/04/security-bite-why-i-stopped-using-camera-covers-and-you-should-too
