Mac Users will Soon be Able to Enable Their iPhone as a Webcam

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The new MacBook Air may have a 1080p Full HD camera, but older laptops often have to make do with a lousy webcam. macOS 13 Ventura offers a solution for this. Apple’s next operating system for the Mac will allow users to use their iPhone as a webcam.

Apple unveiled its latest macOS version this week at its Worldwide Developers Conference. One of the most striking novelties is the Continuity Camera, in other words, the possibility to use the (main) camera of your iPhone as a computer webcam.

Once configured, Continuity Camera will automatically find your smartphone as soon as it comes close to your Mac. The connection works wirelessly, and special ‘mounts’ will soon be on the market to attach the phone to your laptop screen, including from accessory maker Belkin.

The iPhone(camera) also supports all the effects and features of a normal FaceTime camera. Center Stage, for example, is a gadget that ensures that you always remain in the centre of the picture, even if you walk around during the video chat. In addition, there is Portrait mode, with an out-of-focus bokeh effect in the background, and Studio Light, which makes it look like a spot is aimed at you.

Completely new in Continuity Camera is Desk View. The iPhone’s wide-angle lens is used to visualize both the user and their desktop. For example, you can show your new designs to colleagues or familiarize someone else with a few handy keyboard combinations.

The final version of macOS 13 Ventura will probably be rolled out in October or November. However, a public beta version of the operating system will be released next month.