TripMode 3.2.3 Release Notes
This update addresses an imporant compatibility issue with macOS Sonoma 14.4. If you’re a TripMode profiles user, or if you simply use your iPhone hotspot with your Mac, you know how important it is that TripMode starts filtering your data the way you want it to, the second you connect to a network.
What’s new
With this update, we ensure that this experience continues to work reliably with the latest macOS Sonoma release 14.4, and beyond.
After the update, you might notice a new system popup asking for a Location Services permission. Accepting it is necessary for automatic profiles switching to work reliably.
You can always edit your preferences under System Settings > Privacy and Security > Location Services, and switch the TripMode toggle.
Behind the scenes
We wish Apple would be more communicative in the future about known issues or breaking changes to its APIs, since likely hundreds of developers like us had to discover the hard way that Wi-Fi APIs changed by surprise. In particular, what broke down was the method for TripMode to get the Wi-Fi SSID, which is used to show you an easy to remember name for your automatic profiles, and also know when to switch a profile on or off.
We’re also not fans of breaking API changes that are done with the excuse of more privacy, while in fact, there is no privacy improvement. Why do we say that?
Apple’s reasoning for changing this API is privacy, which is good in theory, but terrible with its execution.
- Apple communicated the change in a non-conventional place, the code headers and, the in the Apple Developer forums. This information is not available in the developer documentation, macOS release notes for developers, or Xcode.
- The change itself is intended to protect users privacy by asking permission. Until you realize that the Wi-Fi SSID information is still exposed without user permission and has been simply encoded in HEX format. For non-techy readers, this is the equivalent of putting your hands on your eyes and saying you’re invisible.
Here’s the proof. Open up terminal, and run scutil.
Then enter: show State:/Network/Interface/en0/AirPort
It should give you an output like this :
ProfileID : wifi.ssid.547269704d6f646557694669
SSID : <data> 0x00
The SSID line is empty now, while it wasn’t in previous macOS versions. Copy the numbers and letters after wifi.ssid and just paste it in any HEX to ASCII tool (you can find plenty online). Tada! Here’s your WiFi network name, retrieved without the system asking for your permission.
Why should you care?
Because we like to think that Apple customers want apps that work and an OS that respects their privacy. With the changes introduced by Apple’s macOS Sonoma 14.4 update, you get buggy apps, and the illusion of more privacy.
How to get the TripMode update?
- If you downloaded TripMode directly from our website, you should get prompted to get the update. To check manually, simply go to the About screen and check for updates.
- If you have Setapp, the update should be pushed to you automatically.
- The Mac App Store version should be updated automatically as well. If you have automatic updates turned off, simply open the App Store on your Mac and check the Updates section.
New to TripMode? Simply download TripMode for free on the Mac App Store, and give it a spin. Learn more about how TripMode gives you control over your data on our website.
