Apple warns against using webcam covers on MacBooks due to potential screen damage

Webcam Covers and MacBook Damage

Apple has issued a recommendation against the use of webcam covers on MacBooks. The company states that closing the lid with a cover installed can damage the screen due to the precise engineering of the gap between the display and the keyboard.

Design Precision and Pressure Points

MacBook lids are designed to close with millimeter precision, leaving no room for additional objects. Any item placed between the screen and keyboard, such as a webcam cover, can exert extra pressure on components. This pressure can result in cracks in the glass or damage to the display.

The glass of a MacBook screen can occasionally rub against the keyboard, leaving imprint marks, especially when pressure is applied to the closed laptop. A thin rubber strip around the lid helps distribute pressure, but a webcam cover concentrates this pressure on a small spot.

Potential Consequences

Concentrated pressure from a webcam cover can lead to permanent marks, cracks, or even complete display failure. Modern MacBooks, with their thin bezels and camera located in the notch area, offer minimal space for attaching covers without interfering with the screen.

Apple's Recommendation

If a user deems a webcam cover essential, Apple suggests using one that is no thicker than a sheet of paper. Additionally, residue from adhesive covers can interfere with camera sensors, affecting features like automatic brightness.