Many apps turn the microphone on and leave it on. Even if they aren’t recording it all or having somebody listen, it is clearly to spy on you to see what you are doing. (Ie did you hear some ad?)
That’s not a conspiracy theory, and it is practically indistinguishable from constant listening for the normal person.
If an app in the background has the microphone on on iOS the OS will show a red indicator warning you. Also apps can’t access the microphone without your permission.
That’s not a conspiracy theory, and it is practically indistinguishable from constant listening for the normal person.