A growing chorus of security experts is urging MacBook users to ditch plastic webcam covers, arguing the low-tech privacy measure poses a greater risk to the hardware than any digital threat. Apple itself began issuing warnings as early as 2020 that these covers are not needed and can harm the display.
The concern stems from the narrow tolerances of modern MacBook lids. A sliding cover, even a thin one, can press against the screen when closed, leading to cracks or permanent marks. As laptop designs have grown thinner, the clearance between keyboard and display has shrunk dramatically.
Apple's guidance follows years of consumer anxiety over webcam hacking, which peaked in the 2010s. Yet the company maintains that its built-in camera indicator light is hardware-controlled, meaning it cannot be activated without the green LED turning on. This makes physical covers redundant for most users.
For those still worried about privacy, experts recommend trusting the indicator light or using software-based camera controls instead. The risk of damaging a $1,000+ display outweighs the marginal security benefit of a cover that blocks a camera already protected by a physical kill switch.