The latest beta of macOS Big Sur reportedly removes the ability for Apple’s own apps to bypass firewalls and to hide their network usage.
A report by AppleInsider says the second beta of macOS Big Sur 11.2 on Wednesday indicates that the Cupertino firm is dropping the controversial network feature.
In the current public release of Big Sur, 56 of Apple’s own apps and system processes can use the internet even when a user has blocked all access with a firewall. When those apps access the internet, they do so without reporting their network use to the user or any networking traffic apps that might report on them.
Apple did this partially due to its Gatekeeper security system. When a user opens an app, macOS checks with headquarters to ensure the app is in the same condition it was when it was authorized upon submission by the developer. This allows Gatekeeper to check for any added malware, allowing it to stop app execution if any changes are found.