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It's possible to have hardware kill switches that can't be compromised via software. Apple opts not to include them.

Purism laptops include them. https://puri.sm/products/librem-14/

Apple includes this on the latest iPads and Macs with the T2 chip.

https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/03/apple-hardware-microphone-...

Only when the cover is shut. That prevents an important set of attacks. But a mechanical switch in the power connection to the two devices keeps you from accidentally broadcasting when on, say, a Zoom call.

Much to my surprise, amazon Alexa devices with mute buttons use a hard button, not a soft input.

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