Apple is improving its webcam on the shiny new M2 MacBooks, but for those of us still chugging along on our existing MacBooks, we’ll be able to use our iPhones as webcams (… if we don’t want to sneak a look at our phone during a Zoom meeting).
Later this year, Apple will begin selling a Belkin mount that lets you clip your iPhone to the top of your MacBook. Then, while on FaceTime calls from your laptop, you’ll be able to use iPhone camera functions like portrait mode, center stage and studio light, a new feature that brightens your face and darkens the background behind you. You can also use your iPhone camera on other MacOS apps, like Zoom.
Amanda Silberling
From the unparalleled innovative company that revealed the amazing solution: ‘need to unlock your phone while wearing a mask? just buy a Watch!’, now comes another brilliant solution: ‘need better video calling quality? just buy another iPhone!’ Because, let’s be honest, who is going to strap their iPhone to a laptop for hours and stop checking their notifications and social media during online meetings?
And, in case some of you thought they can use an older iPhone as a semi-permanent webcam, think again:
Unfortunately, none of this works with those old iPhones you’ve got sitting in a drawer. Continuity Camera requires iOS 16 in addition to macOS 13, Xing revealed — and unfortunately, the iPhone 6S, 7, and first-gen iPhone SE and earlier won’t be getting the iOS 16 software update. That’s a shame because it feels like it could be a great way to make use of an older phone that doesn’t have resale value.
Sean Hollister
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