macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces a feature allowing users to disable privacy indicators on external displays while keeping them active on the main screen. These indicators, typically orange for microphone use and green for camera activity, appear in the upper-right corner of a Mac's display to signal when critical hardware is in use. While useful for monitoring app activity, they can be intrusive during tasks like screenshots or screen recordings. Apple's solution offers a thoughtful compromise: privacy indicators remain visible on the primary display but can be hidden when mirroring to an external monitor.

To enable this setting, users must boot into macOS Recovery and enter a specific command in the Terminal. After restarting, the option appears in Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera (or Microphone). Disabling the "Privacy Indicators" switch there turns them off for external displays. Apple ensures this change is reversible and doesn't require re-entering Recovery Mode. This approach balances user control with privacy awareness, addressing a common workflow friction point for Mac users who frequently use external monitors.

For users concerned about accidental exposure, Apple provides a clear path to manage these indicators. The feature is limited to external displays, preserving visibility on the main screen where users are more likely to notice them. This targeted solution reflects Apple's ongoing effort to refine privacy controls without sacrificing functionality, offering a practical tool for those who find the indicators disruptive during specific tasks like presentations or screencasting.

Would you consider disabling privacy indicators on your external Mac display?