Want to create an old-school MP3 player

[Ambrosia7177]

I think you have two real options, both are cheap and protect your data. You have the 3.5mm jack, use it!

Do you concur that plugging my iPhone into my car using just an audio (3.5mm) cable will NOT transfer any data off my iPhone into my car's computer?

Since its 2024, I would suggest a Bluetooth Audio device. Here is a good one that is small and powers itself from the usb port:

amazon.com/dp/B08F74CFM7

This will allow you to connect any device to your car speakers wirelessly over bluetooth.

And because the only connectivity to your device is this 3rd party audio-only device, your Honda can only communicate audio with the Bluetooth adapter, no private data can be shared.

There is something on my Honda (2014) called "Honda Link" or something like that.

Using a Bluetooth player won't get me sucked into that service which I believe is designed to slurp up your phone onto your car's computer so your car is now your iPhone?

Up to you to decide to use your existing iPhone, the old iPhone, or some other playback device with Bluetooth.

If I could be 1000% certain that what I do keeps my iPhone data on my iPhone, I would probably prefer using my iPhone 11 Pro max since it does have cellular service, and when I drive cross-country, if I wanted to listen to a terrestrial radio station via their website, then I could also do that.

But aside from that, an MP3 player or my iPhone 15 Pro Max without a SIM car would do. (Or I am still kind of interested in the iPod Nano and iPod Touch)

Now, if you are ok with wires and want a dedicated playback device in order to not need to mess with your phone to change music, I would highly suggest an MP3 player based off of the Rockbox software. Older mp3 players like the Sandisk Sansa come to mind. USB port for charging and data transfer, micro SD slots for storage and a fully featured but easy to use/read UI.

I'm totally fine with cables, and that is really all i want to deal with. (I don't trust Bluetooth or wireless, plus you supposedly get better audio quality with wired speakers.)

In the end, I prefer simple... ;-)

As far as MP3 player vs iPod Nano vs iPod Touch vs iPhone, I think it comes down to whatever lets me best manage my music.

For all of this to reach my end goal, I need a way to be able to listen to music in the many ways listed above.

Sometimes I am in the mood for an entire album (e.g. Hotel California), sometimes I am in the mood for a genre (Classic Rock), sometimes I am in the mood for a specific sub-genre (80's Classic Rock), sometimes I am in the mood for a self-created sub-genre (e.g. Fall, Friday-night, 80's, Classic Rock), sometimes I am in the mood for an emotion (e.g. Sunday night music), and you get the point.

(What I am NOT into is "ADHD mode" where I go from Kenny G to AC/DC to Hank Williams to the Go Go's. WTF people?!)

It's good to know I have choices - just still apprehensive about giving Honda, Honda's partners, and the NSA even more data on me!!

Good luck welcome to the 20th century

It soooooo scaaaaaary... :O

 

[Ambrosia7177]

You have a couple of options:
1. if you car has an usb port, rip your music to mp3 or aac (m4a), save to a USB thumb drive , and play your music off the drive using the car's headunit.

I am going to try that, but we'll have to see how it let's me access and organize stuff. (Probably an okay solution for a small handful of music, but if I have thousands of songs, I doubt that will work as intended.)

2. If your headhunit has CarPlay/android auto, buy a cheap android phone and load your music onto a micro SD card on the phone, then use android auto

What is the benefit of using Android?

The only issue these options is keeping tabs on new music additions FWIW I use option 1 and sync my music folder with a USB thumb drive using rsync scripts.

This is an alternative to using apple music via car play, - although I use this option less since having wireless CarPlay on my current car.
If you use CarPlay - certainly on my vehicle - everything stays on the phone and nothing is copied to the car's address book.

Honestly, I am a little untrusting of that option...

You could also use a bluetooth connection to the car and under the bluetooth options. turn off sync contacts and switch Device type to speaker

Yeah, the problem with that is I want something "idiot proof".

If the solution is to use an option where I could screw up and end up uploading my data to my Honda, then it isn't worth the risk.

From what I gather so far, it sounds like using an audio cable from my iPhone to Honda should be safe. Likewise, I could buy/use a dedicated iPhone with no SIM, and no personal info, and then it doesn't matter. Tehre is also the MP3 player route, but I wonder if maybe they aren't robust enough for my needs?


Other than size limitations, how would an iPod Nano or iPod Touch compare to an iPhone using Music (or VLC)?

What application/UI do iPods - or even MP3 players - use?

Do iPod Nanos/Touches use the Music app too?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

Yes, you can use a lightning to 3.5mm cable to attach your phone. Many companies make them, here are options from Apple or Belkin if you want to stick with a major company. Otherwise there are many cheaper options if you are willing to go with lesser name brands.

I actually found an Apple dongle online - but I'm not saying where until I make up my mind which path to choose! ;-)

These will eat up your phone battery if you take longer drives, so if you are worried about that you could get an adapter like this instead.

Oh, thanks for mentioning that.

Being a videographer, I use my iPhones primarily as cameras, so I am aware of these dongle "splitters" and actually have similar ones - plus hubs - although they don't work for audio, so I would definitely want to buy one (or more) of those!!

This will allow you to attach a standard 3.5mm cable to your auxiliary input, and a lightning cable to provide power to your phone to keep it charged.

Yeah, I use similar ones now for my external display, teleprompter, and so on.

That said I would just connect your phone directly to USB or Bluetooth in your car. It should give you options on whether or not you want it to share your data connection, or copy over your contacts, etc. At least every car I have ever hooked up to has given me the option not to do that (including my wife's Honda minivan).

Yes, the problem with that is I could make a mistake and FUBAR things.

I prefer an idiot-proof solution lest the NSA finds out that I have Kim Jong-Un on speed-dial! ;-)

If you tell it not to share the data or phonebook I believe the only thing your car will learn is the name of the device it is connected to.

Or so they say...

 

[Mr.Ben]

@Mr.Ben,

I copied and pasted the titles below into YouTube, and this time avoided hearing about erections!

Thanks for the How-To videos on the Music app - I can see I have A LOT to learn!!!



Neither video talked about how to import an existing MP3 file - I would hope you can do that?






So there is NO WAY that my Honda could slurp up any personal information like contact details, telephone numbers, voicemails, etc. if I just use an audio cable between myiPhone and car?





Yeah, I have a power strip/inverter that I currently use to charge my phone to avoid it trying to steal my info!





Will check those out when I haev time.




I guess that is one big selling point to staying in the Apple ecosystem and using the Music app?




Okay.




That's a bummer!

Can you daisy-chain adapters and still get things to work?

Yes, you can import MP3s. Have a look through the Apple Music user guide for more detailed info.

Unless you already have a 3.5mm cable you want to use I wouldn't bother with an adapter, just get a single cable with the required connections each end - eg. a lightning to 3.5mm cable. 👍

 

[erihp]

too many quoted posts. just replying here.

technically, if using the right circuitry, a direct 3.5mm cable connected directly to the iphone CAN transmit and receive data. if youve ever seen one of those square portable credit card readers, those use to connect via headphone jack.

That said, this would have to be intentionally designed, and I'm almost certain Honda is not secretly spying via 3.5mm jack. This is a low risk, but not the most convenient option. Hooking up an iphone with a lightning to 3.5mm should never prompt to sync data, so you cant make that mistake (or realize a bug in their software).

Downside is of course buying this unitasker cable that only works with lightning devices, and now youve got this one special cable you gotta keep tethered to your phone/mp3 player, and without another solution, you cannot charge it at the same time.

Now, the in-car (Honda Link) bluetooth? Dont. They -are- certainly attempting to gather data from your phone if DIRECTLY connect to Bluetooth in the head unit. In fact the headunit will likely ask if youd like to sync your data (Dont!). Granted its easy to a accidentally hit the wrong button and sync all of your contacts and recent messages.

Overall likely safe (especially with an 'offline' car), but definitely capable of syncing data you dont want to sync, in fact, designed to do this.Granted, if you have an older car, this is stored locally in the infotainment hardware and cannot be sent back to Honda, unless they (or the next owner) attempts to access this data.

Now, you get the usb to bluetooth dongle i linked, your car can never 'accidentally' usurp data from your phone. You will never be prompted to sync data to the dongle, and therefore the Honda will never know to communicate through this device and to your phone. They would both need to be in cahoots for this to work, and it doesnt. This dongle is different in that the bluetooth connection is made between your device and the dongle, not the device and the car. The car only knows a 3.5mm audio jack is plugged in, it happily plays the sounds without any data syncing (just like a directly controlled audio/mp3 player would).

Benefits are huge. No cables, auto connects to your device and these arent the bluetooth adapters of old, they sound great!

Another big benefit, this dongle doesn't have to be only used in the car, plug this thing into any amp or speaker setup with a 3.5mm jack (or via RCAs) and you can add bluetooth music to any stereo system!


In my opinion, the $15 on the BT adapter i linked is the best way to modernize your music options AND ensure no data is transferred to your car.

Think of this BT dongle like a very fancy wireless version of the lightning -> 3.5mm adapter you found for iphone. Plus with this option, now you free up your devices charging port.

This option will modernize and future proof your setup, beyond lightning devices (think a passenger who also wants to play music in the car), and beyond the life of the current car. This can be used in an ever sneakier/'smarter' car. Plus bluetooth isnt going anywhere.

This choice is obvious to me because ive been down this road, blaring tunes the whole way.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@erihp,

too many quoted posts. just replying here.

technically, if using the right circuitry, a direct 3.5mm cable connected directly to the iphone CAN transmit and receive data. if youve ever seen one of those square portable credit card readers, those use to connect via headphone jack.

Like one of those Stripe readers (or other merchant) used by everyone from barbers to dog groomers to street vendors?

Yeah, GOOD POINT!! (See, my paranoia is justified once again!!)

That said, this would have to be intentionally designed, and I'm almost certain Honda is not secretly spying via 3.5mm jack.

Well, at least not in 2014 - but in 2024...

This is a low risk, but not the most convenient option. Hooking up an iphone with a lightning to 3.5mm should never prompt to sync data, so you cant make that mistake (or realize a bug in their software).

What about on my newer iPhone 15 Pro Max with USB-C port? Need I be worried about that phone, OR if I buy a new iPhone 16 something??

Downside is of course buying this unitasker cable that only works with lightning devices, and now youve got this one special cable you gotta keep tethered to your phone/mp3 player, and without another solution, you cannot charge it at the same time.

Well, that isn't the end of the world, because I use my iPhones primarily for videography, and between a 2015 MBP and a new 2024 MBP M3 Max and my old iPhone 11 Pro Max and new iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPad Air and teleprompter and so on, I have 10,000 lbs of cables and adapter already!!!

I'm used to lots of cables, so not the end of the world for me. (I just don't want cables that upload my data without my knowledge or approval!!)

Now, the in-car (Honda Link) bluetooth? Dont. They -are- certainly attempting to gather data from your phone if DIRECTLY connect to Bluetooth in the head unit.

Exactly!

In fact the headunit will likely ask if youd like to sync your data (Dont!). Granted its easy to a accidentally hit the wrong button and sync all of your contacts and recent messages.

Yeah, I want to kick the engineer that put the Bluetooth button on my steering wheel, because I often randomly hit it with my thumb when I drive - usually right at the climax of my favorite song or some important news flash on the radio.

And this past week, I had some stuff up by my clock, and accidentally chose "Synch" - because I couldn't entire see the display - but fortunately had my iPhone 11 Pro Max was on Airplane Mode.

That is why any Bluetooth solutions for audio are non-starters with me!

Overall likely safe (especially with an 'offline' car), but definitely capable of syncing data you dont want to sync, in fact, designed to do this.

And I better hope this Honda last me until I die, because I have been reading up on new cars, and it should be a CRIME what automakers are getting away with. (And don't expect any consumer "regulation" of anything for 4 more years...)

Granted, if you have an older car, this is stored locally in the infotainment hardware and cannot be sent back to Honda, unless they (or the next owner) attempts to access this data.

Right, which is one of my main concerns... Is it anyone's business at my Honda dealer, or whoever buys my car some day, to know who I called or had as contacts? NO!!!!

What scares me about all of this, is 1.) It is entirely unregulated, and 2.) Unless you were the chief engineer at Honda - even the mechanics and dealers don't know what you car's computers can and cannot do.

(This is what "de-regulation" gets you...)

Now, you get the usb to bluetooth dongle i linked, your car can never 'accidentally' usurp data from your phone.

So the USB is the power-source for the dongle, and the Bluetooth is the "highway" between my iPhone and my car's speakers?

(Still scares me...)

You will never be prompted to sync data to the dongle, and therefore the Honda will never know to communicate through this device and to your phone. They would both need to be in cahoots for this to work, and it doesnt. This dongle is different in that the bluetooth connection is made between your device and the dongle, not the device and the car. The car only knows a 3.5mm audio jack is plugged in, it happily plays the sounds without any data syncing (just like a directly controlled audio/mp3 player would).

I didn't look at that link - and will after I finish responding - but ti sounds like the dongle has both USB-A to power the dongle and a 3.5mm cable to plug into the car console and so my iPhone would send music from the phoen to the Bluetooth unit on the dongle - which is powered by USB-A - and then the audio goes into the dongle and into the 3.5mm car audio jack and then to my speakers?

Benefits are huge. No cables, auto connects to your device and these arent the bluetooth adapters of old, they sound great!

So no loss in sound quality over a physical cable?

Another big benefit, this dongle doesn't have to be only used in the car, plug this thing into any amp or speaker setup with a 3.5mm jack (or via RCAs) and you can add bluetooth music to any stereo system!

That's cool.

In my opinion, the $15 on the BT adapter i linked is the best way to modernize your music options AND ensure no data is transferred to your car.

I have to chew on this - pretty high tech for an old-timer!

Is there a solution that is NOT on Amazon? (I have been boycotting Jeff Bezos long before it became en vogue!)

Think of this BT dongle like a very fancy wireless version of the lightning -> 3.5mm adapter you found for iphone. Plus with this option, now you free up your devices charging port.

True.

This option will modernize and future proof your setup, beyond lightning devices (think a passenger who also wants to play music in the car), and beyond the life of the current car. This can be used in an ever sneakier/'smarter' car. Plus bluetooth isnt going anywhere.

So on a brand new 2025 Honda Accord, you feel this solution would side-step the snooping car computers and be fool-proof?

This choice is obvious to me because ive been down this road, blaring tunes the whole way.

I appreciate your suggestions!

Coming from the 15th century, all of this is so overwhelming - we never had this in the castle!

Right now I am learning towards getting a dedicated iPhone for music - I mean I'd like to have hundreds of albums at my finger tips, and as mentioned, I want a powerful way to organize music and in a couple taps, plus up any of the above themes mentioned earlier.

I suppose it would be good too to be able to have my MBP be the "mothership" and originate music from my laptop, and then synch to an iPhone.

I am intrigued by your solution, but would probably start off with a 3.5mm cable since it sounds like that is mostly safe. (I realize most people in their 90's are more adept at this stuff than I am, but I have never been up on 'consumer" computer technology.)

To be clear, if I were to use my iPhone 15 Pro Max or a new iPhone 16 something, would the USB-C port negate what you said at the top of this post? That is, would an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter create any data leaks? (I already own one of these adapters - bought it "just in case".)

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@erihp,

What was the link to the Bluetooth dongle you suggested?

And is there a way to buy that from Apple or a non-Amazon choice (e.g. B&H Photo)?

Thanks!

 

[erihp]

@erihp,



Like one of those Stripe readers (or other merchant) used by everyone from barbers to dog groomers to street vendors?

Yeah, GOOD POINT!! (See, my paranoia is justified once again!!)





Well, at least not in 2014 - but in 2024...




What about on my newer iPhone 15 Pro Max with USB-C port? Need I be worried about that phone, OR if I buy a new iPhone 16 something??





Well, that isn't the end of the world, because I use my iPhones primarily for videography, and between a 2015 MBP and a new 2024 MBP M3 Max and my old iPhone 11 Pro Max and new iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPad Air and teleprompter and so on, I have 10,000 lbs of cables and adapter already!!!

I'm used to lots of cables, so not the end of the world for me. (I just don't want cables that upload my data without my knowledge or approval!!)





Exactly!



Yeah, I want to kick the engineer that put the Bluetooth button on my steering wheel, because I often randomly hit it with my thumb when I drive - usually right at the climax of my favorite song or some important news flash on the radio.

And this past week, I had some stuff up by my clock, and accidentally chose "Synch" - because I couldn't entire see the display - but fortunately had my iPhone 11 Pro Max was on Airplane Mode.

That is why any Bluetooth solutions for audio are non-starters with me!





And I better hope this Honda last me until I die, because I have been reading up on new cars, and it should be a CRIME what automakers are getting away with. (And don't expect any consumer "regulation" of anything for 4 more years...)





Right, which is one of my main concerns... Is it anyone's business at my Honda dealer, or whoever buys my car some day, to know who I called or had as contacts? NO!!!!

What scares me about all of this, is 1.) It is entirely unregulated, and 2.) Unless you were the chief engineer at Honda - even the mechanics and dealers don't know what you car's computers can and cannot do.

(This is what "de-regulation" gets you...)




So the USB is the power-source for the dongle, and the Bluetooth is the "highway" between my iPhone and my car's speakers?

(Still scares me...)




I didn't look at that link - and will after I finish responding - but ti sounds like the dongle has both USB-A to power the dongle and a 3.5mm cable to plug into the car console and so my iPhone would send music from the phoen to the Bluetooth unit on the dongle - which is powered by USB-A - and then the audio goes into the dongle and into the 3.5mm car audio jack and then to my speakers?




So no loss in sound quality over a physical cable?





That's cool.




I have to chew on this - pretty high tech for an old-timer!

Is there a solution that is NOT on Amazon? (I have been boycotting Jeff Bezos long before it became en vogue!)





True.




So on a brand new 2025 Honda Accord, you feel this solution would side-step the snooping car computers and be fool-proof?




I appreciate your suggestions!

Coming from the 15th century, all of this is so overwhelming - we never had this in the castle!

Right now I am learning towards getting a dedicated iPhone for music - I mean I'd like to have hundreds of albums at my finger tips, and as mentioned, I want a powerful way to organize music and in a couple taps, plus up any of the above themes mentioned earlier.

I suppose it would be good too to be able to have my MBP be the "mothership" and originate music from my laptop, and then synch to an iPhone.

I am intrigued by your solution, but would probably start off with a 3.5mm cable since it sounds like that is mostly safe. (I realize most people in their 90's are more adept at this stuff than I am, but I have never been up on 'consumer" computer technology.)

To be clear, if I were to use my iPhone 15 Pro Max or a new iPhone 16 something, would the USB-C port negate what you said at the top of this post? That is, would an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter create any data leaks? (I already own one of these adapters - bought it "just in case".)

You've got the breakdown of the dongle correct.
Powered by usb-a with a very short 3.5mm audio jack.
Phone connects to the BT inside the USB-A of the dongle, and audio is piped into your cars 3.5mm jack.

The dongle actually better than the straight cable because the dongle acts as an in-between.
Your phone is -never- connected to the car directly.

I do believe the USB-C iPhones with 3.5mm adapter can transmit data over a headphone jack in the same way. most people use wireless payment machines now, but im pretty sure you can still use the old readers (and other serial devices) with the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. That said, you're already having to consider havingh another special cable for this use case. The cable you need is.. wireless!

As far as sound quality, you'd be extremely hard pressed to hear a difference, you wont be able to tell. Most car audio systems (and music content for that matter) arent high enough fidelity to be able to tell, frankly.

Can you hear the difference between a 320kbps MP3 vs a 256kbps MP3 with good headphones? Now how about in your car barreling down the highway at 70mph? Or cruising with the windows down...

As far as not buying from Amazon, I can respect that.

That particular model is perfect because of its tiny size, short cable, and good sound quality. There are other devices exactkly like this, but this one is my goto. If you can find it elsewhere, its called the PALOVUE Linkflow.

Here is a bunch of ebay listings. not sure where else they sell it, maybe direct?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=PALOVUE+linkflow&_sacat=0

and a random youtube video:

Apple sells this option for 3-4x, but it has even more functionality, and even supports airpods

Twelve South AirFly Pro Deluxe Bluetooth Transmitter

The Twelve South AirFly Pro Deluxe Bluetooth Transmitter lets you use AirPods or Beats wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment worldwide. Buy online now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

 

[Ambrosia7177]

You've got the breakdown of the dongle correct.
Powered by usb-a with a very short 3.5mm audio jack.
Phone connects to the BT inside the USB-A of the dongle, and audio is piped into your cars 3.5mm jack.

The Palovue Linkflow Bluetooth AUX Adapter mention "hands-free calls" and a built in microphone - That seems to be going the wrong way for my privacy and security concerns?

(Pardon if that is an ignorant question, but I own iPhones for videography and a hotspot, and only use the phone part in emergencies, so I am clueless about smatphones, cellphones, Bluetooth, hands-free calls, and the like.)

The dongle actually better than the straight cable because the dongle acts as an in-between.
Youre phone is -never- connected to the car directly.

So my iPhone __ would pair to the device using Bluetooth, then the audio from my iPhone would go through the 3.5mm cable into the Aux port on my car's console and then into my car's radio receiver and then into my car's speakers?

But you are saying there is no way for DATA (e.g. Contacts, Tele No's, Emails?, Call History, etc) to be able to "jump the shark" and go through either the Lightning or USB-C jack from my iPhone through this device, right?

I guess what I don't see is how this is "guaranteed" to protect my data - because only an audio signal could go through the Bluetooth device - but a straight-up USB-C to 3.5mm cable adapter would be susceptible to having my car slurp up my iPhones data?

See what I mean?

In other words... Isn't the USB-C jack (or even Lightning jack) on my iPhone the "weak link" and the place where a data leak could occur?

Sorry for the paranoia, but I think this is a conversation a lot of people could benefit from...

I do believe the USB-C iPhones with 3.5mm adapter can transmit data over a headphone jack in the same way. most people use wireless payment machines now, but im pretty sure you can still use the old readers (and other serial devices) with the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. That said, you're already having to consider havingh another special cable for this use case.

Anyone else know about this? I suppose the USB-C ports on an iPhone 15 and beyond are more likely to surreptiously transfer data off my phoen to my Honda, right?

The cable you need is.. wireless!

I listening...

As far as sound quality, you'd be extremely hard pressed to hear a difference, you wont be able to tell. Most car audio systems (and music content for that matter) arent high enough fidelity enough to be able to tell, frankly.

Can you hear the difference between a 320kbps MP3 vs a 256kbps MP3 with good headphones?

In my 20's, maybe. Now, I'm just happy to hear any sounds!

Now how about in your car barreling down the highway at 70mph? Or cruising with the windows down...

True.

As far as not buying from Amazon, I can respect that.

Yeah.

That particular model is perfect because of its tiny size, short cable, and good sound quality. There are other devices exactkly like this, but this one is my goto. If you can find it elsewhere, its called the PALOVUE Linkflow.

Here is a bunch of ebay listings. not sure where else they sell it, maybe direct?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=PALOVUE+linkflow&_sacat=0

I buy off eBay, so that is an option.

and a random youtube video:

Are those your hairy legs?! *LMAO*

two comparable (they do they same thing) models on b&h, but i cant speak to the sound quality, and dont appreciate the clutter:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351213-REG/aluratek_aism01f_bluetooth_audio_receiver_with.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842222-REG/Aluratek_AIS01F_I_STREAM_DOCKFREE_BLUETOOTH_AUDIO.html

If it is safe - still wondering about the mics in it? - your suggestion looks better because the other ones would require a charging cable which would sort of defeat the purpose as far as being clean.

 

[erihp]

The Palovue Linkflow Bluetooth AUX Adapter mention "hands-free calls" and a built in microphone - That seems to be going the wrong way for my privacy and security concerns?

(Pardon if that is an ignorant question, but I own iPhones for videography and a hotspot, and only use the phone part in emergencies, so I am clueless about smatphones, cellphones, Bluetooth, hands-free calls, and the like.)



So my iPhone __ would pair to the device using Bluetooth, then the audio from my iPhone would go through the 3.5mm cable into the Aux port on my car's console and then into my car's radio receiver and then into my car's speakers?

But you are saying there is no way for DATA (e.g. Contacts, Tele No's, Emails?, Call History, etc) to be able to "jump the shark" and go through either the Lightning or USB-C jack from my iPhone through this device, right?

I guess what I don't see is how this is "guaranteed" to protect my data - because only an audio signal could go through the Bluetooth device - but a straight-up USB-C to 3.5mm cable adapter would be susceptible to having my car slurp up my iPhones data?

See what I mean?

In other words... Isn't the USB-C jack (or even Lightning jack) on my iPhone the "weak link" and the place where a data leak could occur?

Sorry for the paranoia, but I think this is a conversation a lot of people could benefit from...


Are those your hairy legs?! *LMAO*

The handfree calling is a BT profile supported by this audio connectivity. All it does is allow your phone to signal to this adapter if you get a call while you are connected to this adapter, so it can then route the call audio through the car speakers and enable headset mode (like any bluetooth headset) so you can speak your caller. In the case your MP3 player gets a phone call.... it's basically a bluetooth headset.

On some devices you can choose which BT profiles you want to enable and use. So you should be able to use A2DP stereo audio profile only, without the headset profile, if you desired and was supported by your device. if you arent enabling headset mode, or arent on a call, the microphone isnt enabled, and really, ultimately is a microphone to nowhere.

the honda isnt recording the audio coming in to the 3.5mm jack or analyzing in/cabin audio........ yet!!!! i could see a future where the advertisers win! haha! i say that to acknowledge that your paranoia is real as we go forward with 'connected cars' and it pisses me off as well. maybe i should go patent squat some really nasty, horrible ideas, just so they cant do it!


As far as the 3.5mm cable, with the bluetooth solution there is nothing to worry about. The phone isnt physically connected to anything. The iPhone cable never comes into play. The phone connects wirelessly to the Palovue as if it were a portable BT speaker. Instead of it having speakers, the dongle just spits the audio out to your cars input. There is no way for your car to get or request any data from your phone, even if it was 'trying' via the 3.5mm port.

With a lightning or usb-c to 3.5mm cable, you are connecting the phone directly to the car. The car -isnt- stealing data from the 3.5mm port (but we acknowledge in the future it could listen/analyze), and it is true that data can be sent out this connector (credit card readers). Again this is why the BT approach 'better' satisfies the paranoia, but as far as the audio, its gonna come in somehow!

the only mitigation in the future is to disable radio telemetry from the car to HQ/the internet. This means physically disabling some of the car's built in technology. You lose out on fancy features, but you cut the data collection cord. The scary future isnt after the car transfers to a new owner, or slurped up when you get service... its realtime connectivity and pervasive backend data collection and analysis.... and guess what, its already happening on a massive scale, and lots of money is being made, and unprecedented scope of hyper specific data about everyone driving fancy new model cars is being collected. SCARY!

also, my legs -are- hairy, but those arent mine! haha! not my video, not my taste in music, just another chap who agrees.





edited

 

[Ambrosia7177]

The handfree calling is a BT profile supported by this audio connectivity. All it does is allow your phone to signal to this adapter if you get a call while you are connected to this adapter, so it can then route the call audio through the car speakers and enable headset mode (like any bluetooth headset) so you can speak your caller. In the case your MP3 player gets a phone call.... it's basically a bluetooth headset.

I see.

On some devices you can choose which BT profiles you want to enable and use. So you should be able to use A2DP stereo audio profile only, without the headset profile, if you desired and was supported by your device. if you arent enabling headset mode, or arent on a call, the microphone isnt enabled, and really, ultimately is a microphone to nowhere.

So I guess that isn't really a concern then.

the honda isnt recording the audio coming in to the 3.5mm jack or analyzing in/cabin audio........ yet!!!!

Good to see you are aware enough to realize this is coming... (In fact, I think I watched a video the other day that said most new cars are doing this already.)

i could see a future where the advertisers win! haha! i say that to acknowledge that your paranoia is real as we go forward with 'connected cars' and it pisses me off as well.

If you want to become a billionaire, find a way to address this issue and then sell it!

maybe i should go patent squat some really nasty, horrible ideas, just so they cant do it!

I agree.

The problem is that the computers and electronics are so integrated now, that I don't see an easy solution.

(I watched a video on YT last week showing how to remove the "radio head" on a 2014 Honda Accord, and you had to take out half the dash?! I recall in the 80's installing car stereos and it was a crescent wrench and screwdriver job.)

If you disabled the wrong thing, there might go your brakes!
issues.

As far as the 3.5mm cable, with the bluetooth solution there is nothing to worry about. The phone isnt physically connected to anything. The iPhone cable never comes into play. The phone connects wirelessly to the Palovue as if it were a portable BT speaker. Instead of it having speakers, the dongle just spits the audio out to your cars input. There is no way for your car to get or request any data from your phone, even if it was 'trying' via the 3.5mm port.

Fair enough.

(FWIW, my thinking was that if that device facilitates taking audio from my iPhone and transferring it to speakers, what is to say that Honda couldn't do a man-in-the-middle attack and send/receive data from iPhone? I do think that is possible, but I also would have to agree hat would be pretty far-fetched! Besides, Honda probably is too busy stealing other data, like every time I get an oil change!)

With a lightning or usb-c to 3.5mm cable, you are connecting the phone directly to the car. The car -isnt- stealing data from the 3.5mm port (but we acknowledge in the future it could listen/analyze), and it is true that data can be sent out this connector (credit card readers). Again this is why the BT approach 'better' satisfies the paranoia, but as far as the audio, its gonna come in somehow!

Fair enough.

(I appreciate you at least entertaining my paranoia - which is justified based on what I see every day!)

the only mitigation in the future is to disable radio telemetry from the car to HQ/the internet. This means physically disabling some of the car's built in technology.

Do you think it is as simple as hacksawing off your antenna, or would there be more to it than that?

My guess is that there is some transponder buried deep, deep in your car, that you'd have to take out the entire dashboard or engine to get to. (Again, on some YT video, that is what they were saying...)

You lose out on fancy features, but you cut the data collection cord.

But by doing that, might you create safety issues?

The scary future isnt after the car transfers to a new owner, or slurped up when you get service... its realtime connectivity and pervasive backend data collection and analysis....

Followed by your car insurance rates going up.

OH, I remember now... There was some lady in Florida (recently) who saw her car insurance go up like 400% because the insurance company was taking real-time data to decide her rates.

Of course, what do we have to worry about? ("I won't be a dictator... Just on Day One!")

and guess what, its already happening on a massive scale, and lots of money is being made, and unprecedented scope of hyper specific data about everyone driving fancy new model cars is being collected. SCARY!

My last Honda lasted 22 years and over 400,000 miles and didn't even have a working radio or A/C - let alone computers to spy on me.

But all of those cars are rusted out and there are no parts anymore.

So short of buying a bicycle, I'm not sure what choices consumers have moving forward?

also, my legs -are- hairy, but those arent mine! haha! not my video, not my taste in music, just another chap who agrees.

YouTube Tip: Cover up your harry legs when you shoot videos in your car about Bluetooth devices - unless it is a fetish channel!


@erihp, okay, you've convinced me to get out of my comfort zone - and try and catch up with the 21st century - and try this device out.

Now I have to figure out what to do about a "player"...

Since you seem to understand and respect my privacy concerns, let me clarify something...

Is there any reasonable way that my iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max or a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max could be transferring photos and video from my iPhone to my Honda's computer?

When I was reading my car manual this weekend, oddly enough, there was a way to upload photos onto your car's radio display so that - I guess?? - you can have rotating wallpaper.

I am asking this is in contexts of...

- iPhone 11 Pro Max to Lightning to USB-A cable to Honda's USB port

- iPhone 15 Pro Max to USB-C to USB-A cable to Honda's USB port

- iPhone 11/15 to adapter to 3.5mm audio cable to Honda's audio port

- iPhone to Palovue Bluetooth device to Honda's speakers


Why the concern??

Well, first of all, I would be more worried about photos and audio recordings and video ending up on the hard-drive in my car. And secondly, because I am leaning heavily into just buying a new iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB storage and using it primarily as an MP3 play - but also - be able to repurpose it for videography at any time, I would want to know in advance if my Honda could slurp up any photos or video. (Especially since I dictate a lot of person notes on my phone!!!)

If I didn't have to worry about that, then getting a new iPhone and using it 80% for music and 20% for video would be a good solution, and then I would feel like I am buying a $1,600 MP3 player!

Of course I could buy an old iPhone off of eBay, but I always worry that I would be buying something stolen and end up having issues.

Thoughts?

 

[erihp]

@erihp, okay, you've convinced me to get out of my comfort zone - and try and catch up with the 21st century - and try this device out.

Now I have to figure out what to do about a "player"...

Since you seem to understand and respect my privacy concerns, let me clarify something...

Is there any reasonable way that my iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max or a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max could be transferring photos and video from my iPhone to my Honda's computer?

When I was reading my car manual this weekend, oddly enough, there was a way to upload photos onto your car's radio display so that - I guess?? - you can have rotating wallpaper.

I am asking this is in contexts of...

- iPhone 11 Pro Max to Lightning to USB-A cable to Honda's USB port

- iPhone 15 Pro Max to USB-C to USB-A cable to Honda's USB port

- iPhone 11/15 to adapter to 3.5mm audio cable to Honda's audio port

- iPhone to Palovue Bluetooth device to Honda's speakers


Why the concern??

Well, first of all, I would be more worried about photos and audio recordings and video ending up on the hard-drive in my car. And secondly, because I am leaning heavily into just buying a new iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB storage and using it primarily as an MP3 play - but also - be able to repurpose it for videography at any time, I would want to know in advance if my Honda could slurp up any photos or video. (Especially since I dictate a lot of person notes on my phone!!!)

If I didn't have to worry about that, then getting a new iPhone and using it 80% for music and 20% for video would be a good solution, and then I would feel like I am buying a $1,600 MP3 player!

Of course I could buy an old iPhone off of eBay, but I always worry that I would be buying something stolen and end up having issues.

Thoughts?

You'll be fine with a 3.5mm with regard to data exfiltration. With an Apple device it would take naughty software on your device allowing and facilitating this type of file exfiltration. Thats how the CC readers work. the app is in cahoots with the device attached to the phone.

In the case of connecting it to the car, it wont be able to pull files arbitrarily from the 3.5mm jack.

You can even look to professional and law enforcement tools that are used to exploit and take data backups from suspect devixes under warrant, they all utilize and exploit the USB-C/Lightning port itself. None of them use the 3.5mm audio jack, because there are no known exploits that would enable such access to an iOS device without the support of another app running (and with enough permissions) to specifically do this.

don't connect your phone to the car's (or ANY unknown/untrusted) USB port directly, ever. there is no reason to. especially given your desire to avoid integrating photos, contacts, maps and messaging into the car. if you want to charge, use a 12v DC USB-C PD capable charger (in conjunction with a magsafe charging integrated mount - highly recommend!). Charging via PD will be faster too. The only reason to plug the phone in via USB -IS- to share and sync data with the car.

iOS does attempt to protect you from simple hijacking attempts, one of the mitigations is a feature that requires the user to click 'trust' this computer when connected via USB. if you (accidentally) click trust... that device can do anything it wants to your phone.

if you click do not trust, iOS shuts down USB data. That said, some versions of iOS are vulnerable to exploits that get around these protections, ala cellebrite and other mobile forensics devices. if you ever see this message pop up when it shouldn't, like with a normal charger, thats bad!

same applies in public spaces. bring a powerbank or your own charging brick if you want to charge. dont plug in to a random usb port. the pervasive compatibility of USB (keyboard, network adapters, smart card readers, storage, etc) means that the potential and possibility for shenanigans with what can be done over USB is much greater than the attack vector of exploiting thr headphone jack/microphone connection.

Get the bluetooth adapter and go wild

remember anything that supports bluetooth stereo audio profile, can be your source!

and again, any set of speakers with an input, can be its output!

bonus points, exist bluetooth transmitters that can do the inverse (like that device apple sells). You can connect a normal 3.5mm/rca source to a bluetooth transmitter, and have it connect to the Palovue (or Bluetooth speaker) and make any device that outputs wired audio into a wireless bluetooth sending source... for less than the price of a fancy cheeseburger in some places...

...crazy world we're livin in!

 

[erihp]

also, consider this feature to help protect the data on your device, especially if you are dedicating a device to music and photos, and dont intend to use it as a 'phone' with 'tiktok' and 'spaceface' installed

About Lockdown Mode - Apple Support

Lockdown Mode helps protect devices against extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks.

support.apple.com

 

[Ambrosia7177]

You'll be fine with a 3.5mm with regard to data exfiltration. With an Apple device it would take naughty software on your device allowing and facilitating this type of file exfiltration. Thats how the CC readers work. the app is in cahoots with the device attached to the phone.

In the case of connecting it to the car, it wont be able to pull files arbitrarily from the 3.5mm jack.

Okay.

You can even look to professional and law enforcement tools that are used to exploit and take data backups from suspect devices under warrant, they all utilize and exploit the USB-C/Lightning port itself. None of them use the 3.5mm audio jack, because there are no known exploits that would enable such access to an iOS device without the support of another app running (and with enough permissions) to specifically do this.

Do they make an iOS version of something like "Little Snitch"?

Since you bring it up, would there be anyway that a person could "firewall" their USB-C/Lightning port so someone could not plug in a device and download your iPhone's data?

don't connect your phone to the car's (or ANY unknown/untrusted) USB port directly, ever.

Yeah, fortunately, somehow, I learned that just before I got my car.

(BTW, today is my 1-year anniversary of owning my "new" car!!!)

Whenever I need to charge my iPhones, I always plug them into my power inverter - which plugs into my cigarette lighter.

there is no reason to. especially given your desire to avoid integrating photos, contacts, maps and messaging into the car. if you want to charge, use a 12v DC USB-C PD capable charger (in conjunction with a magsafe charging integrated mount - highly recommend!).

You lost me on the Magsafe part... (Magsafe are on MacBook Pro's...)

Charging via PD will be faster too. The only reason to plug the phone in via USB -IS- to share and sync data with the car.

What is "PD"?

iOS does attempt to protect you from simple hijacking attempts, one of the mitigations is a feature that requires the user to click 'trust' this computer when connected via USB. if you (accidentally) click trust... that device can do anything it wants to your phone.

If I plugged my iPhone into my Honda's USB ports, would I at least get that prompt, or since my car is not a computer, would that not apply?

if you click do not trust, iOS shuts down USB data. That said, some versions of iOS are vulnerable to exploits that get around these protections, ala cellebrite and other mobile forensics devices. if you ever see this message pop up when it shouldn't, like with a normal charger, thats bad!

I saw a video on YouTube - downloaded it but haven't watched it - that claims if you a see a USB charger with some extra hole - or maybe that was on the cable - then beware. Maybe that is what you are describing?


BTW, it sounds like you have some background in cybersecurity... Do you?

same applies in public spaces. bring a powerbank or your own charging brick if you want to charge. dont plug in to a random usb port. the pervasive compatibility of USB (keyboard, network adapters, smart card readers, storage, etc) means that the potential and possibility for shenanigans with what can be done over USB is much greater than the attack vector of exploiting thr headphone jack/microphone connection.

So a person could fall victim to the same concerns that I have about my Honda at say, an Internet cafe, or hotel, etc?

Why is it that USB is still so vulnerable?

With all of the advance they have made with USB-C, you would think they would have addressed these security concerns by now?

Get the bluetooth adapter and go wild

So I am 1,000,000% SAFE using that (i.e. Palovue Linkflow Bluetooth AUX Adapter) as far as IF I also used a new iPhone for photography/videography?

remember anything that supports bluetooth stereo audio profile, can be your source!

and again, any set of speakers with an input, can be its output!

Well, just so you don't think I am totally from the dark ages... When I do street interviews, I bought a really cool Bluetooth speaker - forget the brand - that I use for audio when play videos for people as part of the interview.

So I guess I do have a little Bluetooth experience under my belt!

bonus points, exist bluetooth transmitters that can do the inverse (like that device apple sells). You can connect a normal 3.5mm/rca source to a bluetooth transmitter, and have it connect to the Palovue (or Bluetooth speaker) and make any device that outputs wired audio into a wireless bluetooth sending source... for less than the price of a fancy cheeseburger in some places...

...crazy world we're livin in!

So people could convert a wired stereo/music system and have wireless sound throughout their house, for example?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

also, consider this feature to help protect the data on your device, especially if you are dedicating a device to music and photos, and dont intend to use it as a 'phone' with 'tiktok' and 'spaceface' installed

About Lockdown Mode - Apple Support

Lockdown Mode helps protect devices against extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks.

support.apple.com

Thanks for the suggestion.

Yes, I am aware of Apple Lockdown mode.

Never had time to research it, but just read your link.

From what I can see, it really wouldn't "break" anything in my daily life, except when I surf the Internet in Safari or maybe access things like my paid accounts with the Wall Street Journal.

What are your thoughts on Apple Lockdown mode?

And if I buy a new iPhone 16 Pro Max, and use it 80% for music, but 20% for photography/videography when I need a B-cam, C-cam, etc, how much would Apple Lockdown mode protect me against the "attack vectors" that we have discussed thusfar?

Like would Apple Lockdown mode stop my Honda from slurping up data off my iPhone if I plugged it into the USB ports? (By the way, I would *never* do that!!)

And would Apple Lockdown mode prevent someone using forensics / law enforcement software from downloading an image of my iPhone?

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@erihp,

Say, when you have a chance could you please respond to my questions two posts above? (Thursday at 8:04 AM)

Thanks!

 

[erihp]

Okay.

Do they make an iOS version of something like "Little Snitch"?

-- familiar with it, but not sure about an ios version


Since you bring it up, would there be anyway that a person could "firewall" their USB-C/Lightning port so someone could not plug in a device and download your iPhone's data?

-- yes, it is safe to use USB charging-only cables. the data pins are not present in the cable, so USB cannot be used

Whenever I need to charge my iPhones, I always plug them into my power inverter - which plugs into my cigarette lighter.


-- you may use the inverter for other purposes, but know that 12V DC to 120v AC back to DC for the charger isnt very efficient.

You lost me on the Magsafe part... (Magsafe are on MacBook Pro's...)

-- Phones support magsafe also. there is a ring of strong magnets and a charging coil on the rear of the device.
since you are a photographer, check out some of the magsafe accessories from Moment. cool stuff.

https://www.shopmoment.com/pages/magsafe

Regarding charging, I was referencing this: amazon.com/dp/B0CML4MHBP
or
amazon.com/dp/B0CFXH3B6C

I know you dont shop on Amazon but you can get these in other places.

Such a nice to have. Quick release and mount with the magnets, and charging starts automatically, no cable! Hold is very strong.


What is "PD"?

-- power delivery. a new spec to the USB-c standard. supports auto negotiation of higher voltage charging. usb-c pd supports 9v, 12v, 20v, if the device supports it, charge speeds and efficiency increase




If I plugged my iPhone into my Honda's USB ports, would I at least get that prompt, or since my car is not a computer, would that not apply?

-- i believe so, yes, it should also prompt that the device is requesting contacts and call logs


I saw a video on YouTube - downloaded it but haven't watched it - that claims if you a see a USB charger with some extra hole - or maybe that was on the cable - then beware. Maybe that is what you are describing?


--its common to integrate 'spy' devices in usb gadgets. a pinhole sounds more like a camera or microphone. but if you really want the pants scared off of you... look into the O.MG cable: https://shop.hak5.org/products/omg-cable


BTW, it sounds like you have some background in cybersecurity... Do you?

-- i grew up straddling the advent of the internet. my curiosity led me to learn everything i could about how all of this stuff works. no formal background, no formal/accredited study. all 'street smarts'

So a person could fall victim to the same concerns that I have about my Honda at say, an Internet cafe, or hotel, etc?

-- absolutely. dont plug into ports that arent yours, unless you are certain you have a charge only cable.

Why is it that USB is still so vulnerable?

-- because people want USB devices to 'just work'

With all of the advance they have made with USB-C, you would think they would have addressed these security concerns by now?

-- every new spec has new holes, especially when they suppoort legacy devices. hak5 has more cool USB 'tools'

So I am 1,000,000% SAFE using that (i.e. Palovue Linkflow Bluetooth AUX Adapter) as far as IF I also used a new iPhone for photography/videography?


-- 10million!


Well, just so you don't think I am totally from the dark ages... When I do street interviews, I bought a really cool Bluetooth speaker - forget the brand - that I use for audio when play videos for people as part of the interview.

So I guess I do have a little Bluetooth experience under my belt!


-- see its not all scary!


So people could convert a wired stereo/music system and have wireless sound throughout their house, for example?

-- sure. though for this i would recommend a network-based whole home solution, like what airplay 2 provides. your phone can airplay to multiple speakers (or airport express gen 2) in multiple rooms and the audio stays synced, volume individually controlled.

i see the bluetooth transmitters best use case sending audio to a set of bluetooth headphones (or bt speaker) where the source device doesnt support bluetooth, but has audio out (and the speaker/headphones do not have a line-in)


as far as Lockdown Mode, i think it's great! cant vouge for it but Apple did something great by entertaining and implementing the idea/feature.

i dont use it, but you may be a good candidate since you have strict/limited use cases where the lockdown wont affect much usability.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

@erihp

Do they make an iOS version of something like "Little Snitch"?

-- familiar with it, but not sure about an ios version

According to the maker...


Will Little Snitch be available for iOS, tvOS and watchOS?
Objective Development
https://www.obdev.at › support › littlesnitch
"Unfortunately Apple's regulations and submission guidelines do not allow applications like Little Snitch that operate on the system level on the iOS (iPhone ..."

Since you bring it up, would there be anyway that a person could "firewall" their USB-C/Lightning port so someone could not plug in a device and download your iPhone's data?

-- yes, it is safe to use USB charging-only cables. the data pins are not present in the cable, so USB cannot be used

I meant is there a way to install an app, or configure iOS so that regardless of what is plugged into your iPhone, people can't upload/download data.

Whenever I need to charge my iPhones, I always plug them into my power inverter - which plugs into my cigarette lighter.

-- you may use the inverter for other purposes, but know that 12V DC to 120v AC back to DC for the charger isnt very efficient.

Yeah.

If I plugged my iPhone into my Honda's USB ports, would I at least get that prompt, or since my car is not a computer, would that not apply?

-- i believe so, yes, it should also prompt that the device is requesting contacts and call logs

Okay.

I saw a video on YouTube - downloaded it but haven't watched it - that claims if you a see a USB charger with some extra hole - or maybe that was on the cable - then beware. Maybe that is what you are describing?


--its common to integrate 'spy' devices in usb gadgets. a pinhole sounds more like a camera or microphone. but if you really want the pants scared off of you... look into the O.MG cable: https://shop.hak5.org/products/omg-cable

I actually have heard of that before. Scary...

BTW, it sounds like you have some background in cybersecurity... Do you?

-- i grew up straddling the advent of the internet. my curiosity led me to learn everything i could about how all of this stuff works. no formal background, no formal/accredited study. all 'street smarts'

I respect your situational awareness of cyber-threats!

So a person could fall victim to the same concerns that I have about my Honda at say, an Internet cafe, or hotel, etc?

-- absolutely. dont plug into ports that arent yours, unless you are certain you have a charge only cable.

I haven't done that, but it is a good reminder!

Why is it that USB is still so vulnerable?

-- because people want USB devices to 'just work'

A-ha.

With all of the advance they have made with USB-C, you would think they would have addressed these security concerns by now?

-- every new spec has new holes, especially when they suppoort legacy devices. hak5 has more cool USB 'tools'

Okay.

So I am 1,000,000% SAFE using that (i.e. Palovue Linkflow Bluetooth AUX Adapter) as far as IF I also used a new iPhone for photography/videography?

-- 10million!

*LOL*

Okay, I am ready to take the leap. Now I just need to figure out the iPhone side.

Well, just so you don't think I am totally from the dark ages... When I do street interviews, I bought a really cool Bluetooth speaker - forget the brand - that I use for audio when play videos for people as part of the interview.

So I guess I do have a little Bluetooth experience under my belt!


-- see its not all scary!

Yeah, my Bluetooth speaker is actually really cool - although I having problems with it continuing to "unpair" but that is another thread.

as far as Lockdown Mode, i think it's great! cant vouge for it but Apple did something great by entertaining and implementing the idea/feature.

i dont use it, but you may be a good candidate since you have strict/limited use cases where the lockdown wont affect much usability.

Based on what I read, there really wouldn't be much to lose, right?

And if I didn't like it, I could just turn it off and go back to "normal" mode, correct?

(When I first skimmed it, I thought it purposely locked your iPhone for good, but I guess that isn't what it does.)

 

[erihp]

I meant is there a way to install an app, or configure iOS so that regardless of what is plugged into your iPhone, people can't upload/download data.


Based on what I read, there really wouldn't be much to lose, right?

And if I didn't like it, I could just turn it off and go back to "normal" mode, correct?

(When I first skimmed it, I thought it purposely locked your iPhone for good, but I guess that isn't what it does.)

detail from kapersky:

https://usa.kaspersky.com/blog/apple-lockdown-mode/26818/

Yep I think it would be perfect for your use case.

Here is Apple's documentation:

Harden your iPhone from a cyberattack with Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode helps protect your iPhone if you believe it’s being targeted by a sophisticated cyberattack.

support.apple.com

good luck!

also remember normal people wont understand if you try to explain your paranoia. so dont mention it.

go about your business as if there is no other way.

just be prepared with your own solutions (usb-c pd battery banks are -amazing-!). or be ready to bail out and say 'no' when your personal security threshold is being breached.

 

[Ambrosia7177]

detail from kapersky:

https://usa.kaspersky.com/blog/apple-lockdown-mode/26818/

Thanks for the link!

Yep I think it would be perfect for your use case.

Here is Apple's documentation:

Harden your iPhone from a cyberattack with Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode helps protect your iPhone if you believe it’s being targeted by a sophisticated cyberattack.

support.apple.com

The Kaspersky article didn't say - and I don't really expect anyone to advertise this to the public - but I am assuming that if law enforcement or the NSA got ahold of an iPhone with Lockdown Mode turned on, they could still probably pretty easily plug in a cable to your iPhone and either install malware (for tracking purposes) or download an image of your iPhone, right?

good luck!

If I use Lockdown Mode, can I turn it on and off easily, or once it is turned on, are you stuck with it forever?

The list in the article didn't seem to impact me except for...

4.) If locked, your smartphone will not interact in any way with your computer (or other external devices connected with a cable).


I use iMazing regularly to download photos and videos, and so I would need to make sure that I can still do that. (Hopefully it is a matter of just temporarily turning of Lockdown Mode, but any articles I have read don't specify if that is possible.)

also remember normal people wont understand if you try to explain your paranoia. so dont mention it.

Very good point!

go about your business as if there is no other way.

I have been trying to do this for years, but every day it gets harder to maintain privacy and security.

just be prepared with your own solutions (usb-c pd battery banks are -amazing-!).

Yeah, I have several power-packs/power-banks the size of my hand, and they are fabulous for my videoography. But for day-to-day charging, I just plug into one of my MacBook Pro or the power inverotr plugegd into my cigarette lighter in my car.

or be ready to bail out and say 'no' when your personal security threshold is being breached.

Yeah, I do that regularly.

Thanks for the links - I'm impressed and inspired by your knowledge and mindset. (So hard to find people who "get it" in today's over-sharing world!)