Eyebrows were raised when Apple announced its Continuity Camera feature for iOS 16 and macOS Ventura during WWDC.
The third-party Belkin MagSafe mount looked a little awkward and shall we say, un-Apple-like. Secondly, some folks pointed out that maybe we wouldn’t need to use an iPhone as a webcam if Apple put a little bit more stock into equipping MacBooks with better cameras.
However, in theory, deploying the iPhone and its multi-purpose cameras as a webcam seems a good idea. Now, with the iOS and macOS betas out in the wild, a select few folks have been able to give Continuity Camera and a prototype version of Belkin’s MagSafe mount the hands-on treatment. As per videos posted by YouTubers Brian Tong, iJustine, and ZolloTech, the mount actually works pretty intuitively (via MacRumors).
Obviously it attaches to the iPhone via the MagSafe connection and has a little pull-out flap to hook onto the MacBook’s bezel. The connection looks pretty secure, so it won’t fall off in the middle of an important meeting.
If you’ve done that correctly, the Mac will automatically connect to the iPhone’s camera next time you open an app that requires the webcam, like FaceTime. You’ll get an audio notification on the iPhone to let you know Continuity Camera is in action.
If you access the Control Centre you’ll be able to choose video effects like Centre Stage, which intelligently keeps the subject in the centre of the frame, while you can also select Portrait mode for a neat bokeh effect that blurs out the mess in the background.
There’s also access to the Studio Light feature, while Desk View uses the Ultra Wide lens so you can show what’s happening on the desk in front of your Mac. It could be ideal for how-to videos.
With iOS 16 and macOS Ventura scheduled to arrive in the coming months, we’d expect the accessory to arrive in time for launch.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
